Have you ever wondered why some ancient cultures do not seem as “skilled” as later societies in representing the natural world? If so, you are not alone. Many people assume that early art history is a story of technical progress toward better reproductions of reality. But what if it is less a matter of skill than of interest? Celtic coins offer a perfect opportunity to explore this idea. Join coins curator Laure Marest for this hands-on session with 2,300-year-old coins and discover the ancient Gallic fascination with abstraction.

The seminar is held in conjunction with the special exhibition Celtic Art Across the Ages (March 6–August 2, 2026).

This seminar is part of Gray Area, a series that features members of our curatorial staff exploring artworks that capture the complexities of humanity, political landscapes, ethics, ideologies, power dynamics, and critical thinking in our times. Through this series, we hope to encourage people to observe and consider their own individual gray areas, and to think about how their unique experiences guide the choices they make.

This is a free event. Registration required.

Image: Quarter stater of the Parisii, uncertain mint in Northern Gaul, 1st century BCE. Gold, 1.86g. Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Loan from the Trustees of the Arthur Stone Dewing Greek Numismatic Foundation, 1.1965.38.