Comments on: A Colorful Past

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:23:06 +0000

Thanks so much, Keri and Sanam! I do agree. As for the Old Executive Office Building here in Washington DC, this is so interesting and most people would really not know about this debate. Thanks so much! As for Sanam, a 3D model or an info-panel close by the monuments on the original state or color scheme would be so good. Though it has not been the case with the Acropolis Parthenon in Athens, the British Museum has a nice reconstruction of some color schemes in the gallery next to the Parthenon. The British Museum has also one on Persepolis near the plaster casts from the site giving at least an idea of the original. But then, you have discussions about whether this is how it originally looked like and what is the evidence for it. My favorite one is the series of painted plaster casts the British Museum has in the upper Egyptian galleries: Although made in the 19th century, this gave visitors a great idea about the colorful past of ancient Egypt. Would be great to have more public discussions about it or invite local DC Technology experts for some input how to best proceed from the museum side. Thanks both, again, for commenting!

By: Keri Douglas

Keri Douglas — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:46:57 +0000

At least attempt to return to the original color. I recall when the Old Executive Office Building in Washington, DC was being restored and the same question came up. Everyone was so used to the blanched white walls, no one could imagine the original colors of blues, pinks, emeralds to match the ornate brass, mahogany doors and Tiffany skylights. Once the interior was painted the original colors, it was as though the building came back to life. One couldn’t image why anyone would white wash the interior to start with. Give integrity back to the original design planned by the designers and architects, so that we have an honest starting point to study.

By: Sanam

Sanam — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:43:24 +0000

I believe that the life of an object or an architecture does not end with the era in which they were made. The beauty of the piece is that it shows the passage of time. Beyond it’s history, it will tell a story of what it has been through. As a Persian with a background in art history, archives and museum studies, as much as it is painful to see Persepolis in the it’s current state, I believe it tells a story. And in its current form, it is authentic to its current time and place in history. So, I believe it should be left alone. At the same time, I love the idea of a 3D model next to it. It would be great to see what was the original form of the palace!