School at the JPaul Getty Villa Summer Institute

I just returned from an incredible experience. Three days of study from experts in the fields of Greek and Roman antiquity--the culture, the history, the preservation of ancient artifacts. Most of our lecturers had PHD's from Oxford or Berkley and had a passion for their interests. It was also a behind the scenes look at art installation and art conservation.

The photo is Victorious Youth, a Greek bronze created between 300-100 BC. The Romans at this time were gatherers or thieves of Greek art. The feet broken off at the ankles indicates that the bronze was attached to a marble or stone pedestal that was too heavy to transport. The bronze was roped and ripped out of the statue. Quel dommage. He was then transported by ship and found thousands of years later in international waters-the ship must have sunk. When found, he was rather encrusted but this is what preserved him. It's an amazing piece of art.