Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
@ashmoleanmuseum.bsky.social
🖼 🏺 World famous collections, from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art
🕙 Open every day 10am–5pm 🏛 linktr.ee/ashmoleanmuseum
🕙 Open every day 10am–5pm 🏛 linktr.ee/ashmoleanmuseum
John Singer Sargent was born on this day in 1856.
Sargent's output as a portrait painter was impressive, but he also produced a large number of landscapes on his travels in Spain, Italy, and Switzerland.
Sargent's output as a portrait painter was impressive, but he also produced a large number of landscapes on his travels in Spain, Italy, and Switzerland.
January 12, 2026 at 8:01 AM
John Singer Sargent was born on this day in 1856.
Sargent's output as a portrait painter was impressive, but he also produced a large number of landscapes on his travels in Spain, Italy, and Switzerland.
Sargent's output as a portrait painter was impressive, but he also produced a large number of landscapes on his travels in Spain, Italy, and Switzerland.
📣 Last chance to see This Is What You Get: Stanley Donwood, Radiohead, Thom Yorke – this exhibition closes 18 January 📣
Don't miss this unique opportunity to look at the creative forces behind some of the most important and influential music of the past few decades.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to look at the creative forces behind some of the most important and influential music of the past few decades.
January 8, 2026 at 6:15 PM
📣 Last chance to see This Is What You Get: Stanley Donwood, Radiohead, Thom Yorke – this exhibition closes 18 January 📣
Don't miss this unique opportunity to look at the creative forces behind some of the most important and influential music of the past few decades.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to look at the creative forces behind some of the most important and influential music of the past few decades.
Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema was born on this day in 1836.
During a visit to Rome from December 1875 to April 1876, Alma-Tadema collected material for future paintings. He made three studies of parts of the city, including this one in the gardens of the Villa Borghese.
🍃 Detail from WA1966.13.1
During a visit to Rome from December 1875 to April 1876, Alma-Tadema collected material for future paintings. He made three studies of parts of the city, including this one in the gardens of the Villa Borghese.
🍃 Detail from WA1966.13.1
January 8, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema was born on this day in 1836.
During a visit to Rome from December 1875 to April 1876, Alma-Tadema collected material for future paintings. He made three studies of parts of the city, including this one in the gardens of the Villa Borghese.
🍃 Detail from WA1966.13.1
During a visit to Rome from December 1875 to April 1876, Alma-Tadema collected material for future paintings. He made three studies of parts of the city, including this one in the gardens of the Villa Borghese.
🍃 Detail from WA1966.13.1
This wintery scene of Imado Bridge and Matsuchi Hill is by Japanese print designer Utagawa Hiroshige II.
Hiroshige II was one of the most successful students of the great print artist Hiroshige I. He continued the landscape style pioneered by his master, creating many series of landscape prints.
Hiroshige II was one of the most successful students of the great print artist Hiroshige I. He continued the landscape style pioneered by his master, creating many series of landscape prints.
January 7, 2026 at 8:00 AM
This wintery scene of Imado Bridge and Matsuchi Hill is by Japanese print designer Utagawa Hiroshige II.
Hiroshige II was one of the most successful students of the great print artist Hiroshige I. He continued the landscape style pioneered by his master, creating many series of landscape prints.
Hiroshige II was one of the most successful students of the great print artist Hiroshige I. He continued the landscape style pioneered by his master, creating many series of landscape prints.
John R R Tolkien was born on this day in 1892.
Tolkien, the author of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings', was a student and eventually a professor at University of Oxford. Back in 1977, the Ashmolean hosted an exhibition of his drawings.
Tolkien, the author of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings', was a student and eventually a professor at University of Oxford. Back in 1977, the Ashmolean hosted an exhibition of his drawings.
January 3, 2026 at 9:36 AM
John R R Tolkien was born on this day in 1892.
Tolkien, the author of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings', was a student and eventually a professor at University of Oxford. Back in 1977, the Ashmolean hosted an exhibition of his drawings.
Tolkien, the author of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings', was a student and eventually a professor at University of Oxford. Back in 1977, the Ashmolean hosted an exhibition of his drawings.
Take a closer look at the artwork that inspired the animation...
This print, 'A Drinking Party', forms part of a series titled 'A Set of Goldfish series' by Utagawa Kuniyoshi and dates to 1839–1842.
🌟A Drinking Party, part of A Set of Goldfish series by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861). EA1971.157
This print, 'A Drinking Party', forms part of a series titled 'A Set of Goldfish series' by Utagawa Kuniyoshi and dates to 1839–1842.
🌟A Drinking Party, part of A Set of Goldfish series by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861). EA1971.157
January 1, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Take a closer look at the artwork that inspired the animation...
This print, 'A Drinking Party', forms part of a series titled 'A Set of Goldfish series' by Utagawa Kuniyoshi and dates to 1839–1842.
🌟A Drinking Party, part of A Set of Goldfish series by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861). EA1971.157
This print, 'A Drinking Party', forms part of a series titled 'A Set of Goldfish series' by Utagawa Kuniyoshi and dates to 1839–1842.
🌟A Drinking Party, part of A Set of Goldfish series by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861). EA1971.157
Happy New Year to you! ✨
We hope this magical animation by Matilde Senos fills your day with joy!
The Museum is closed today but will be reopening from tomorrow - we can't wait to welcome you then.
⭐️ A Drinking Party, part of A Set of Goldfish series by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861). EA1971.157
We hope this magical animation by Matilde Senos fills your day with joy!
The Museum is closed today but will be reopening from tomorrow - we can't wait to welcome you then.
⭐️ A Drinking Party, part of A Set of Goldfish series by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861). EA1971.157
January 1, 2026 at 8:14 AM
Happy New Year to you! ✨
We hope this magical animation by Matilde Senos fills your day with joy!
The Museum is closed today but will be reopening from tomorrow - we can't wait to welcome you then.
⭐️ A Drinking Party, part of A Set of Goldfish series by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861). EA1971.157
We hope this magical animation by Matilde Senos fills your day with joy!
The Museum is closed today but will be reopening from tomorrow - we can't wait to welcome you then.
⭐️ A Drinking Party, part of A Set of Goldfish series by Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861). EA1971.157
Happy New Year's Eve 🎆🎇🎆🎇
This woodblock print showing fireworks at Ryōgoku bridge was created by Utagawa Hiroshige I in 1858. It features as part of the One Hundred Famous Views of Edo series.
We'll be closing our doors tomorrow, 1 January 2026, and will be reopening on 2 January.
🎆 EAX.4365
This woodblock print showing fireworks at Ryōgoku bridge was created by Utagawa Hiroshige I in 1858. It features as part of the One Hundred Famous Views of Edo series.
We'll be closing our doors tomorrow, 1 January 2026, and will be reopening on 2 January.
🎆 EAX.4365
December 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Happy New Year's Eve 🎆🎇🎆🎇
This woodblock print showing fireworks at Ryōgoku bridge was created by Utagawa Hiroshige I in 1858. It features as part of the One Hundred Famous Views of Edo series.
We'll be closing our doors tomorrow, 1 January 2026, and will be reopening on 2 January.
🎆 EAX.4365
This woodblock print showing fireworks at Ryōgoku bridge was created by Utagawa Hiroshige I in 1858. It features as part of the One Hundred Famous Views of Edo series.
We'll be closing our doors tomorrow, 1 January 2026, and will be reopening on 2 January.
🎆 EAX.4365
A look at the original work that inspired today's animation 🔍
These studies of a sleepy, restful hound, captured for a portrait of this dog, are by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, son of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and elder brother of Lorenzo Baldissera Tiepolo.
These studies of a sleepy, restful hound, captured for a portrait of this dog, are by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, son of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and elder brother of Lorenzo Baldissera Tiepolo.
December 28, 2025 at 4:18 PM
A look at the original work that inspired today's animation 🔍
These studies of a sleepy, restful hound, captured for a portrait of this dog, are by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, son of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and elder brother of Lorenzo Baldissera Tiepolo.
These studies of a sleepy, restful hound, captured for a portrait of this dog, are by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, son of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and elder brother of Lorenzo Baldissera Tiepolo.
We hope you are all resting and relaxing like this perfect pooch.
This charming animation was created by Will Lang and inspired by an 18th century study of a dog produced by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo.
🐶 Studies of a dog, Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727 - 1804). WA1937.223
This charming animation was created by Will Lang and inspired by an 18th century study of a dog produced by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo.
🐶 Studies of a dog, Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727 - 1804). WA1937.223
December 28, 2025 at 8:21 AM
We hope you are all resting and relaxing like this perfect pooch.
This charming animation was created by Will Lang and inspired by an 18th century study of a dog produced by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo.
🐶 Studies of a dog, Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727 - 1804). WA1937.223
This charming animation was created by Will Lang and inspired by an 18th century study of a dog produced by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo.
🐶 Studies of a dog, Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1727 - 1804). WA1937.223
Christmas leftovers, 17th-century edition.
See this relatable Dutch still life on display in Gallery 48.
🍖🍺 Still Life with a Ham, 1642, by Pieter Claesz (c. 1597–1660). Oil on panel, 42 x 34 cm. WA1940.2.19
See this relatable Dutch still life on display in Gallery 48.
🍖🍺 Still Life with a Ham, 1642, by Pieter Claesz (c. 1597–1660). Oil on panel, 42 x 34 cm. WA1940.2.19
December 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Christmas leftovers, 17th-century edition.
See this relatable Dutch still life on display in Gallery 48.
🍖🍺 Still Life with a Ham, 1642, by Pieter Claesz (c. 1597–1660). Oil on panel, 42 x 34 cm. WA1940.2.19
See this relatable Dutch still life on display in Gallery 48.
🍖🍺 Still Life with a Ham, 1642, by Pieter Claesz (c. 1597–1660). Oil on panel, 42 x 34 cm. WA1940.2.19
Happy Boxing Day!
Today we bring you this from a Museum accounts book, showing an employee was fined for being particularly merry on both 25 and 26 December, 1704.
A fine of one shilling was issued for, yes, you read that right, "coming home dead drunk both nights and neglect of lighting candle"
Today we bring you this from a Museum accounts book, showing an employee was fined for being particularly merry on both 25 and 26 December, 1704.
A fine of one shilling was issued for, yes, you read that right, "coming home dead drunk both nights and neglect of lighting candle"
December 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Happy Boxing Day!
Today we bring you this from a Museum accounts book, showing an employee was fined for being particularly merry on both 25 and 26 December, 1704.
A fine of one shilling was issued for, yes, you read that right, "coming home dead drunk both nights and neglect of lighting candle"
Today we bring you this from a Museum accounts book, showing an employee was fined for being particularly merry on both 25 and 26 December, 1704.
A fine of one shilling was issued for, yes, you read that right, "coming home dead drunk both nights and neglect of lighting candle"
✨ Happy Christmas to everyone celebrating! ✨
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar we're sharing this silver coin which features a nativity scene.
The coin was produced in Rome under the named pope Gregory XIII in the late 16th-century.
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar we're sharing this silver coin which features a nativity scene.
The coin was produced in Rome under the named pope Gregory XIII in the late 16th-century.
December 25, 2025 at 8:01 AM
✨ Happy Christmas to everyone celebrating! ✨
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar we're sharing this silver coin which features a nativity scene.
The coin was produced in Rome under the named pope Gregory XIII in the late 16th-century.
For the final day of our #AshmoleanAdvent calendar we're sharing this silver coin which features a nativity scene.
The coin was produced in Rome under the named pope Gregory XIII in the late 16th-century.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 24: Winter Coat
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
December 24, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 24: Winter Coat
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
Woven from the fleece of a Himalayan mountain goat, Kashmir shawls were famous for their lightness, softness and warmth.
🎄 The festive break has now begun for our galleries 🎄
Over the Christmas and New Year period the Museum will be closed 24–26 December and on 1 January. We will be open as usual on all other days, 10am–5pm.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum soon!
💫 Illustration by Kate Baylay
Over the Christmas and New Year period the Museum will be closed 24–26 December and on 1 January. We will be open as usual on all other days, 10am–5pm.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum soon!
💫 Illustration by Kate Baylay
December 23, 2025 at 5:13 PM
🎄 The festive break has now begun for our galleries 🎄
Over the Christmas and New Year period the Museum will be closed 24–26 December and on 1 January. We will be open as usual on all other days, 10am–5pm.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum soon!
💫 Illustration by Kate Baylay
Over the Christmas and New Year period the Museum will be closed 24–26 December and on 1 January. We will be open as usual on all other days, 10am–5pm.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the Museum soon!
💫 Illustration by Kate Baylay
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 23: Winged Nike
For today’s Ashmolean Advent treat we have a winged Nike, holding a ribbon in her hand, flying across a wine jug towards a tripod, a symbol of victory.
🪽Attic red-figure pottery jug, 450–430 BCE, by The Calliope Painter. AN1896-1908.G.280
For today’s Ashmolean Advent treat we have a winged Nike, holding a ribbon in her hand, flying across a wine jug towards a tripod, a symbol of victory.
🪽Attic red-figure pottery jug, 450–430 BCE, by The Calliope Painter. AN1896-1908.G.280
December 23, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 23: Winged Nike
For today’s Ashmolean Advent treat we have a winged Nike, holding a ribbon in her hand, flying across a wine jug towards a tripod, a symbol of victory.
🪽Attic red-figure pottery jug, 450–430 BCE, by The Calliope Painter. AN1896-1908.G.280
For today’s Ashmolean Advent treat we have a winged Nike, holding a ribbon in her hand, flying across a wine jug towards a tripod, a symbol of victory.
🪽Attic red-figure pottery jug, 450–430 BCE, by The Calliope Painter. AN1896-1908.G.280
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 22: Pomander
These tiny decorative baubles are actually pomanders, designed to carry perfume, but the resemblance to the classic Christmas decoration is uncanny.
A pomander would have contained perfumes such as ambergris, musk or civit, and would have been worn or carried.
These tiny decorative baubles are actually pomanders, designed to carry perfume, but the resemblance to the classic Christmas decoration is uncanny.
A pomander would have contained perfumes such as ambergris, musk or civit, and would have been worn or carried.
December 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 22: Pomander
These tiny decorative baubles are actually pomanders, designed to carry perfume, but the resemblance to the classic Christmas decoration is uncanny.
A pomander would have contained perfumes such as ambergris, musk or civit, and would have been worn or carried.
These tiny decorative baubles are actually pomanders, designed to carry perfume, but the resemblance to the classic Christmas decoration is uncanny.
A pomander would have contained perfumes such as ambergris, musk or civit, and would have been worn or carried.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 21: Snowy Bridge
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
December 21, 2025 at 8:00 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 21: Snowy Bridge
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
Today’s advent calendar treat is a woodblock print titled Yuhi Hill and Drum Bridge at Meguro by Japanese master printmaker Utagawa Hiroshige.
The unusual arched bridge in this wintry landscape was known as a ‘drum bridge’ because of its shape.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 20 brings Singing Pierides painted by Henry Stacy Marks on The Great Bookcase by William Burges.
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
December 20, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 20 brings Singing Pierides painted by Henry Stacy Marks on The Great Bookcase by William Burges.
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
Enormous, elaborate and highly decorated, the Great Bookcase was made to hold art books in the London office of William Burges (1827–1881).
#AshmoleanAdvent Calendar Day 19 – Starry Sky
British artist Eric Ravilious trained as a wood engraver and mural painter at the Royal College of Art. This wood engraving, showing mountains, stars and gems, is an illustration for a collection of epigrams and epitaphs by Martin Armstrong.
⭐ WA.OA979
British artist Eric Ravilious trained as a wood engraver and mural painter at the Royal College of Art. This wood engraving, showing mountains, stars and gems, is an illustration for a collection of epigrams and epitaphs by Martin Armstrong.
⭐ WA.OA979
December 19, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Calendar Day 19 – Starry Sky
British artist Eric Ravilious trained as a wood engraver and mural painter at the Royal College of Art. This wood engraving, showing mountains, stars and gems, is an illustration for a collection of epigrams and epitaphs by Martin Armstrong.
⭐ WA.OA979
British artist Eric Ravilious trained as a wood engraver and mural painter at the Royal College of Art. This wood engraving, showing mountains, stars and gems, is an illustration for a collection of epigrams and epitaphs by Martin Armstrong.
⭐ WA.OA979
Day 18 of #AshmoleanAdvent - Three Wise Men
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
👑👑👑 750–480 BCE, Cyprus, Ceramic. AN1968.1524
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
👑👑👑 750–480 BCE, Cyprus, Ceramic. AN1968.1524
December 18, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Day 18 of #AshmoleanAdvent - Three Wise Men
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
👑👑👑 750–480 BCE, Cyprus, Ceramic. AN1968.1524
This curious terracotta figurine from Cyprus, with the heads of three bearded men mounted on a box-shaped body, reminded us of the Three Wise Men of the Nativity story.
👑👑👑 750–480 BCE, Cyprus, Ceramic. AN1968.1524
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 17: Embroidered cushion cover
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
December 17, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 17: Embroidered cushion cover
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
Today’s Advent treat is this brightly-coloured cushion cover or wall hanging, bustling with dense embroidery.
In the intricate scene of intertwined flowers, figures and creatures, you can spot stags and various birds.
📣 Last chance to shop online!
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for the art and history lovers in your life? We recommend placing your order by 17 December for UK delivery.
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for the art and history lovers in your life? We recommend placing your order by 17 December for UK delivery.
December 16, 2025 at 4:02 PM
📣 Last chance to shop online!
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for the art and history lovers in your life? We recommend placing your order by 17 December for UK delivery.
Are you looking for the perfect festive gift for the art and history lovers in your life? We recommend placing your order by 17 December for UK delivery.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 16: Study of Mistletoe
This elegant mistletoe drawing, is a perfect illustration of May Morris’s delicate botanical studies.
Drawing directly from nature, Morris was a leading embroiderer and designer of the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement in Britain.
This elegant mistletoe drawing, is a perfect illustration of May Morris’s delicate botanical studies.
Drawing directly from nature, Morris was a leading embroiderer and designer of the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement in Britain.
December 16, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 16: Study of Mistletoe
This elegant mistletoe drawing, is a perfect illustration of May Morris’s delicate botanical studies.
Drawing directly from nature, Morris was a leading embroiderer and designer of the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement in Britain.
This elegant mistletoe drawing, is a perfect illustration of May Morris’s delicate botanical studies.
Drawing directly from nature, Morris was a leading embroiderer and designer of the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts movement in Britain.
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 15: Bronze Stag
The ancient city of Kish, to the east of the city of Babylon, was revered as the place where the gods had established kingship. In the late 1st millennium BCE, Babylonian kings refurbished the city’s ancient temples and the city flourished.
The ancient city of Kish, to the east of the city of Babylon, was revered as the place where the gods had established kingship. In the late 1st millennium BCE, Babylonian kings refurbished the city’s ancient temples and the city flourished.
December 15, 2025 at 8:01 AM
#AshmoleanAdvent Day 15: Bronze Stag
The ancient city of Kish, to the east of the city of Babylon, was revered as the place where the gods had established kingship. In the late 1st millennium BCE, Babylonian kings refurbished the city’s ancient temples and the city flourished.
The ancient city of Kish, to the east of the city of Babylon, was revered as the place where the gods had established kingship. In the late 1st millennium BCE, Babylonian kings refurbished the city’s ancient temples and the city flourished.