After Hours

European sculpture and decorative arts curator Wolfram Koeppe on the mystical, restorative powers of viewing art.

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  • Wolfram Koeppe
    1280852
  • Turned Cup with Cover  |  17th century  |  German  |  Ivory  |  Gift of Robert Gordon, 1910 (10.212.2a,b)
    7161024
  • Cup, Standing, with Cover  |  17th century  |  Possibly by workshop of Lorenz Zick and Stephen Zick (German)  |  German (Nuremberg)  |  Ivory  |  Gift of Robert Gordon, 1910 (10.212.1 ab)
    7451024
  • Cylinder-Fall Desk with Cabinet Top  |  ca. 1776–78  |  David Roentgen (German), Chinoiserie scenes possibly after designs by Januarius Zick (German)  |  Oak, cherry, cedar, pine and mahogany; veneered with mahogany, maple, burled walnut, kingwood, tulipwood, boxwood, ebony and various other woods, partly stained, mother-of-pearl; brass, partly gold-lacquered; gilt-bronze mounts; steel and brass operating mechanisms, leather  |  Rogers Fund, 1941 (41.82)
    9961024
  • Cylinder-Fall Desk with Cabinet Top  |  ca. 1776–78  |  David Roentgen (German), Chinoiserie scenes possibly after designs by Januarius Zick (German)  |  Oak, cherry, cedar, pine and mahogany; veneered with mahogany, maple, burled walnut, kingwood, tulipwood, boxwood, ebony and various other woods, partly stained, mother-of-pearl; brass, partly gold-lacquered; gilt-bronze mounts; steel and brass operating mechanisms, leather  |  Rogers Fund, 1941 (41.82)
    10311024
  • Cylinder-Fall Desk with Cabinet Top  |  ca. 1776–78  |  David Roentgen (German), Chinoiserie scenes possibly after designs by Januarius Zick (German)  |  Oak, cherry, cedar, pine and mahogany; veneered with mahogany, maple, burled walnut, kingwood, tulipwood, boxwood, ebony and various other woods, partly stained, mother-of-pearl; brass, partly gold-lacquered; gilt-bronze mounts; steel and brass operating mechanisms, leather  |  Rogers Fund, 1941 (41.82)
    7591024
  • Allegory of the Planets and Continents  |  1752  |  Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (Italian, Venetian)  |  Oil on canvas  |  Inscribed (sides): EVROPA / AFRICÆ / AMERICA / ASIA
      |  Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1977 (1977.1.3)
    7701024
  • Balzac Toward the Light, Midnight  |  1908  |  Edward Steichen (American, born Luxembourg)  |  Direct carbon print  |  Alfred Stieglitz Collection, 1933 (33.43.38)
    1280970
  • View of Toledo  |  ca. 1597  |  El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (Greek)  |  Oil on canvas  |  H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929 (29.100.6)
    9141024
  • View of Toledo  |  El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (Greek)  |  Oil on canvas  |  H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929 (29.100.6)
    12541024
  • Mastaba Tomb of Perneb  |  Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5, ca. 2381–2323 b.c.  |  Egypt, Memphite Region  |  Limestone, paint  |  Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1913 (13.183.3)
    1280642
  • Casket  |  ca. 1680  |  Michel Redlin (German)  |  Poland (Gdansk)  |  Amber, gold foil, gilded brass, wood  |  Walter and Leonore Annenberg Acquisitions Endowment Fund, 2006 (2006.452a–c)
    12211024
  • Casket  |  ca. 1680  |  Michel Redlin (German)  |  Poland (Gdansk)  |  Amber, gold foil, gilded brass, wood  |  Walter and Leonore Annenberg Acquisitions Endowment Fund, 2006 (2006.452a–c)
    12301024
  • Casket  |  ca. 1680  |  Michel Redlin (German)  |  Poland (Gdansk)  |  Amber, gold foil, gilded brass, wood  |  Walter and Leonore Annenberg Acquisitions Endowment Fund, 2006 (2006.452a–c)
    9581024
  • Casket  |  ca. 1680  |  Michel Redlin (German)  |  Poland (Gdansk)  |  Amber, gold foil, gilded brass, wood  |  Walter and Leonore Annenberg Acquisitions Endowment Fund, 2006 (2006.452a–c)
    1280949
  • Farnese Table  |  ca. 1568–73  |  Italian (Rome)  |  Marble, alabaster, and semi-precious stones  |  Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1957 (58.57)
    1280982
  • Farnese Table  |  ca. 1568–73  |  Italian (Rome)  |  Marble, alabaster, and semi-precious stones  |  Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1957 (58.57)
    1280556
  • Farnese Table  |  ca. 1568–73  |  Italian (Rome)  |  Marble, alabaster, and semi-precious stones  |  Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1957 (58.57)
    1280585
  • Ship (Nef)  |  early 17th century  |  Esias zur Linden (German)  |  Silver, partly gilt  |  Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.319)
    6531024
  • Madonna and Child  |  ca. 1300  |  Duccio di Buoninsegna (Italian, Sienese)  |  Tempera and gold on wood, with original engaged frame  |  Purchase, Rogers Fund, Walter and Leonore Annenberg and The Annenberg Foundation Gift, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Annette de la Renta Gift, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, Louis V. Bell, and Dodge Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, several members of The Chairman's Council Gifts, Elaine L. Rosenberg and Stephenson Family Foundation Gifts, 2003 Benefit Fund, and other gifts and funds from various donors, 2004 (2004.442)
    7931024
  • Madonna and Child  |  ca. 1300  |  Duccio di Buoninsegna (Italian, Sienese)  |  Tempera and gold on wood, with original engaged frame  |  Purchase, Rogers Fund, Walter and Leonore Annenberg and The Annenberg Foundation Gift, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Annette de la Renta Gift, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, Louis V. Bell, and Dodge Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, several members of The Chairman's Council Gifts, Elaine L. Rosenberg and Stephenson Family Foundation Gifts, 2003 Benefit Fund, and other gifts and funds from various donors, 2004 (2004.442)
    5231024
  • Madonna and Child  |  ca. 1300  |  Duccio di Buoninsegna (Italian, Sienese)  |  Tempera and gold on wood, with original engaged frame  |  Purchase, Rogers Fund, Walter and Leonore Annenberg and The Annenberg Foundation Gift, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Annette de la Renta Gift, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, Louis V. Bell, and Dodge Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, several members of The Chairman's Council Gifts, Elaine L. Rosenberg and Stephenson Family Foundation Gifts, 2003 Benefit Fund, and other gifts and funds from various donors, 2004 (2004.442)
    9631024
  • Seated Figure  |  13th century  |  Mali, Inland Niger Delta region; Djenné  |  Terracotta  |  Purchase, Buckeye Trust and Mr. and Mrs. Milton Rosenthal Gifts, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and Harris Brisbane Dick and Rogers Funds, 1981 (1981.218)
    12801020
  • Seated Figure  |  13th century  |  Mali, Inland Niger Delta region; Djenné  |  Terracotta  |  Purchase, Buckeye Trust and Mr. and Mrs. Milton Rosenthal Gifts, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and Harris Brisbane Dick and Rogers Funds, 1981 (1981.218)
    12111024
  • Charity  |  mid-16th century  |  Franco-Flemish  |  Alabaster  |  Purchase, Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation Inc. Gift and Charles Ulrick and Josephine Bay Foundation Inc. Gift, 1965 (65.110)
    5411024
  • Charity  |  mid-16th century  |  Franco-Flemish  |  Alabaster  |  Purchase, Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation Inc. Gift and Charles Ulrick and Josephine Bay Foundation Inc. Gift, 1965 (65.110)
    8281024
  • Reclining Dog  |  200 b.c.–300 a.d.  |  Mexico, Mesoamerica, Colima  |  Ceramic  |  Gift of Joanne P. Pearson, in memory of Andrall E. Pearson, 2007 (2007.345.1)
    1280960
  • Wolfram Koeppe
    1280852

  • My name is Wolfram Koeppe, and I'm one of the curators in the department of European sculpture and decorative arts, and my topic is "After Hours."

  • For me, "after hours" is the period after I stop working, when I need a moment to collect myself.

  • The antidote after a challenging day is to go through empty galleries.

  • I can stand in front of an object, get very close

  • explore it, and have my own conversation with it. It's sort of

  • electricity going into my body and recharging my batteries.

  • In the evening being in the galleries is very different than through the day. Many pieces are light sensitive

  • so the light is either turned off or turned down to protect the object

  • and that gives it a very mystical atmosphere.

  • I mean it's like the things are coming alive.

  • So far I was lucky not to come across a ghost, even if I pass by the mummies.

  • This Casket reminds of a very positive feeling of light, a play of light.

  • Amber is called "the gold of the Baltic Sea," because

  • it's so light that it swims on the top of the oceans on the waves, and that makes it also into

  • a mystical material, which was connected with healing and protecting powers.

  • The Farnese Table is inlaid with semi-precious stones, and has

  • two wonderful oriental alabaster slabs framed like a window.

  • The surface looks almost like the frozen ripples of water that invite

  • me to take a ship to some other place.

  • When I first saw the Duccio painting I tried to explore it, but I think the real breakthrough was when I had the chance to spend some quiet time with it alone.

  • How tender the action of the baby: the right leg touches the wrist of the Madonna and how he pushes aside, with ultimate care, the veil from her face.

  • Even if it is of a very small size, it is of an enormous expression.

  • There's one figure from Mali in the thirteenth century. When I look at it I think rather about paintings of Gauguin or Matisse. He has an astonishingly modern approach and a personality.

  • I say every morning "hello" to him, and "goodnight" to him in the evening.

  • It's a very special honor to be with these objects

  • after hours, without getting disturbed. Some of the objects prepare me for the real world.

  • This reminds me very much of my Jack Russell terrier at home

  • waiting for me.

  • 10.212.2a,b
    Turned Cup with Cover, 17th century, German, Ivory Gift of Robert Gordon, 1910 (10.212.2a,b)
  • 10.212.1ab
    Cup, Standing, with Cover, 17th century, Possibly by workshop of Lorenz Zick and Stephen Zick (German), German (Nuremberg), Ivory Gift of Robert Gordon, 1910 (10.212.1 ab)
  • 41.82
    Cylinder-Fall Desk with Cabinet Top, ca. 1776–78, David Roentgen (German), Chinoiserie scenes possibly after designs by Januarius Zick (German), Oak, cherry, cedar, pine and mahogany; veneered with mahogany, maple, burled walnut, kingwood, tulipwood, boxwood, ebony and various other woods, partly stained, mother-of-pearl; brass, partly gold-lacquered; gilt-bronze mounts; steel and brass operating mechanisms, leather Rogers Fund, 1941 (41.82)
  • 1977.1.3
    Allegory of the Planets and Continents, 1752, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (Italian, Venetian), Oil on canvas, Inscribed (sides): EVROPA / AFRICÆ / AMERICA / ASIA
    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1977 (1977.1.3)
  • 33.43.38
    Balzac Toward the Light, Midnight, 1908, Edward Steichen (American, born Luxembourg), Direct carbon print Alfred Stieglitz Collection, 1933 (33.43.38)
  • 29.100.6
    View of Toledo, ca. 1597, El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (Greek), Oil on canvas H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929 (29.100.6)
  • 13.183.3_v002
    Mastaba Tomb of Perneb, Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5, ca. 2381–2323 b.c., Egypt, Memphite Region, Limestone, paint Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1913 (13.183.3)
  • 2006.452a-c
    Casket, ca. 1680, Michel Redlin (German), Poland (Gdansk), Amber, gold foil, gilded brass, wood Walter and Leonore Annenberg Acquisitions Endowment Fund, 2006 (2006.452a–c)
  • 58.57
    Farnese Table, ca. 1568–73, Italian (Rome), Marble, alabaster, and semi-precious stones Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1957 (58.57)
  • 17.190.319
    Ship (Nef), early 17th century, Esias zur Linden (German), Silver, partly gilt Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.319)
  • 2004.442
    Madonna and Child, ca. 1300, Duccio di Buoninsegna (Italian, Sienese), Tempera and gold on wood, with original engaged frame Purchase, Rogers Fund, Walter and Leonore Annenberg and The Annenberg Foundation Gift, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Annette de la Renta Gift, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, Louis V. Bell, and Dodge Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, several members of The Chairman's Council Gifts, Elaine L. Rosenberg and Stephenson Family Foundation Gifts, 2003 Benefit Fund, and other gifts and funds from various donors, 2004 (2004.442)
  • 1981.218
    Seated Figure, 13th century, Mali, Inland Niger Delta region; Djenné, Terracotta Purchase, Buckeye Trust and Mr. and Mrs. Milton Rosenthal Gifts, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and Harris Brisbane Dick and Rogers Funds, 1981 (1981.218)
  • 65.110
    Charity, mid-16th century, Franco-Flemish, Alabaster Purchase, Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation Inc. Gift and Charles Ulrick and Josephine Bay Foundation Inc. Gift, 1965 (65.110)
  • 2007.345.1
    Reclining Dog, 200 b.c.–300 a.d., Mexico, Mesoamerica, Colima, Ceramic Gift of Joanne P. Pearson, in memory of Andrall E. Pearson, 2007 (2007.345.1)
    • Turned Cup with Cover, 17th century, German, Ivory Gift of Robert Gordon, 1910 (10.212.2a,b)
    Cup, Standing, with Cover, 17th century, Possibly by workshop of Lorenz Zick and Stephen Zick (German), German (Nuremberg), Ivory Gift of Robert Gordon, 1910 (10.212.1 ab)
    Cylinder-Fall Desk with Cabinet Top, ca. 1776–78, David Roentgen (German), Chinoiserie scenes possibly after designs by Januarius Zick (German), Oak, cherry, cedar, pine and mahogany; veneered with mahogany, maple, burled walnut, kingwood, tulipwood, boxwood, ebony and various other woods, partly stained, mother-of-pearl; brass, partly gold-lacquered; gilt-bronze mounts; steel and brass operating mechanisms, leather Rogers Fund, 1941 (41.82)
    Allegory of the Planets and Continents, 1752, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (Italian, Venetian), Oil on canvas, Inscribed (sides): EVROPA / AFRICÆ / AMERICA / ASIA
    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1977 (1977.1.3)
    Balzac Toward the Light, Midnight, 1908, Edward Steichen (American, born Luxembourg), Direct carbon print Alfred Stieglitz Collection, 1933 (33.43.38)
    View of Toledo, ca. 1597, El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (Greek), Oil on canvas H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929 (29.100.6)
    Mastaba Tomb of Perneb, Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5, ca. 2381–2323 b.c., Egypt, Memphite Region, Limestone, paint Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1913 (13.183.3)
    Casket, ca. 1680, Michel Redlin (German), Poland (Gdansk), Amber, gold foil, gilded brass, wood Walter and Leonore Annenberg Acquisitions Endowment Fund, 2006 (2006.452a–c)
    Farnese Table, ca. 1568–73, Italian (Rome), Marble, alabaster, and semi-precious stones Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1957 (58.57)
    Ship (Nef), early 17th century, Esias zur Linden (German), Silver, partly gilt Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.319)
    Madonna and Child, ca. 1300, Duccio di Buoninsegna (Italian, Sienese), Tempera and gold on wood, with original engaged frame Purchase, Rogers Fund, Walter and Leonore Annenberg and The Annenberg Foundation Gift, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Annette de la Renta Gift, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, Louis V. Bell, and Dodge Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, several members of The Chairman's Council Gifts, Elaine L. Rosenberg and Stephenson Family Foundation Gifts, 2003 Benefit Fund, and other gifts and funds from various donors, 2004 (2004.442)
    Seated Figure, 13th century, Mali, Inland Niger Delta region; Djenné, Terracotta Purchase, Buckeye Trust and Mr. and Mrs. Milton Rosenthal Gifts, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and Harris Brisbane Dick and Rogers Funds, 1981 (1981.218)
    Charity, mid-16th century, Franco-Flemish, Alabaster Purchase, Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation Inc. Gift and Charles Ulrick and Josephine Bay Foundation Inc. Gift, 1965 (65.110)
    Reclining Dog, 200 b.c.–300 a.d., Mexico, Mesoamerica, Colima, Ceramic Gift of Joanne P. Pearson, in memory of Andrall E. Pearson, 2007 (2007.345.1)
    8000–2000 B.C.
    2000–1000 B.C.
    1000 B.C.–1 A.D.
    1–500 A.D.
    500–1000 A.D.
    1000–1400 A.D.
    1400–1600 A.D.
    1600–1800 A.D.
    1800–1900 A.D.
    1900–Present

    Works of art in order of appearance

    Last Updated: June 22, 2015. Not all works of art in the Museum's collection may be on view on a particular day. For the most accurate location information, please check this page on the day of your visit.
    Turned Cup with Cover
    17th century
    German
    Ivory
    Gift of Robert Gordon, 1910 (10.212.2a,b)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 European Sculpture and Decorative ArtsFirst Floor
    Cup, Standing, with Cover
    17th century
    Possibly by workshop of Lorenz Zick and Stephen Zick (German)
    German (Nuremberg)
    Ivory
    Gift of Robert Gordon, 1910 (10.212.1 ab)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 European Sculpture and Decorative ArtsFirst Floor
    Cylinder-Fall Desk with Cabinet Top
    ca. 1776–78
    David Roentgen (German), Chinoiserie scenes possibly after designs by Januarius Zick (German)
    Oak, cherry, cedar, pine and mahogany; veneered with mahogany, maple, burled walnut, kingwood, tulipwood, boxwood, ebony and various other woods, partly stained, mother-of-pearl; brass, partly gold-lacquered; gilt-bronze mounts; steel and brass operating mechanisms, leather
    Rogers Fund, 1941 (41.82)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 European Sculpture and Decorative ArtsFirst Floor
    Allegory of the Planets and Continents
    1752
    Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (Italian, Venetian)
    Oil on canvas
    Inscribed (sides): EVROPA / AFRICÆ / AMERICA / ASIA
    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, 1977 (1977.1.3)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 European PaintingsSecond Floor
    Balzac Toward the Light, Midnight
    1908
    Edward Steichen (American, born Luxembourg)
    Direct carbon print
    Alfred Stieglitz Collection, 1933 (33.43.38)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 PhotographsSecond Floor
    View of Toledo
    ca. 1597
    El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (Greek)
    Oil on canvas
    H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929 (29.100.6)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 European PaintingsSecond Floor
    Mastaba Tomb of Perneb
    Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5, ca. 2381–2323 b.c.
    Egypt, Memphite Region
    Limestone, paint
    Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1913 (13.183.3)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 Egyptian ArtFirst Floor
    Casket
    ca. 1680
    Michel Redlin (German)
    Poland (Gdansk)
    Amber, gold foil, gilded brass, wood
    Walter and Leonore Annenberg Acquisitions Endowment Fund, 2006 (2006.452a–c)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 European Sculpture and Decorative ArtsFirst Floor
    Farnese Table
    ca. 1568–73
    Italian (Rome)
    Marble, alabaster, and semi-precious stones
    Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1957 (58.57)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 European Sculpture and Decorative ArtsFirst Floor
    Ship (Nef)
    early 17th century
    Esias zur Linden (German)
    Silver, partly gilt
    Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.319)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 European Sculpture and Decorative ArtsFirst Floor
    Madonna and Child
    ca. 1300
    Duccio di Buoninsegna (Italian, Sienese)
    Tempera and gold on wood, with original engaged frame
    Purchase, Rogers Fund, Walter and Leonore Annenberg and The Annenberg Foundation Gift, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, Annette de la Renta Gift, Harris Brisbane Dick, Fletcher, Louis V. Bell, and Dodge Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, several members of The Chairman's Council Gifts, Elaine L. Rosenberg and Stephenson Family Foundation Gifts, 2003 Benefit Fund, and other gifts and funds from various donors, 2004 (2004.442)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 European PaintingsSecond Floor
    Seated Figure
    13th century
    Mali, Inland Niger Delta region; Djenné
    Terracotta
    Purchase, Buckeye Trust and Mr. and Mrs. Milton Rosenthal Gifts, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and Harris Brisbane Dick and Rogers Funds, 1981 (1981.218)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the AmericasFirst Floor
    Charity
    mid-16th century
    Franco-Flemish
    Alabaster
    Purchase, Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation Inc. Gift and Charles Ulrick and Josephine Bay Foundation Inc. Gift, 1965 (65.110)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 European Sculpture and Decorative ArtsFirst Floor
    Reclining Dog
    200 b.c.–300 a.d.
    Mexico, Mesoamerica, Colima
    Ceramic
    Gift of Joanne P. Pearson, in memory of Andrall E. Pearson, 2007 (2007.345.1)
    More information: The Collection Online
    Not on view
    		 Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the AmericasFirst Floor

    © 2011 The Metropolitan Museum of Art