This summer’s programs are inspired by the Villa dei Papiri, the model for the Getty Villa and subject of the exhibition Buried by Vesuvius: Treasures from the Villa dei Papiri, on view through October 28, 2019. Hear experts in ancient philosophy, neuroscience, and archaeology give talks on Roman culture and wine, then enjoy tasting Italian wines while taking in the Villa’s gardens and architecture and visiting the exhibition.
Bacchus Uncorked: Drinking and Thinking
Saturday, July 13, 2019, 5:30–8:30pm The Getty Villa
Luxury Roman villas offered the leisure to discuss important topics—such as leading a good life—over wine. The library of the Villa dei Papiri contained books by the Epicurean philosopher Philodemus, who promoted a life of pleasure through moderation. Learn about the enduring relevance of Epicurean ideas from philosopher-classicist Timothy O’Keefe, then enjoy wine curated by wine educator Diego Meraviglia and conversation with fun-loving philosophers amid the Villa’s beautiful architecture and gardens.
Advance ticket required. Tickets: $75, includes wine and appetizers; complimentary parking. 21 and over.
Timothy O’Keefe is an associate professor of philosophy at Georgia State University in Atlanta. His research interests are in Greek and Roman philosophy with a particular interest in Hellenistic philosophy and Epicurus. He has written extensively on these subjects and is the author of Epicureanism (2009) and Epicurus on Freedom (2005). When not teaching, reading, and writing, O’Keefe enjoys hiking, camping, biking, home brewing, and being a news junkie.
Bacchus Uncorked: Wine and the Senses
Saturday and Sunday, July 27 & 28, 2019, 5:30–8:30pm
The Getty Villa
The owner of the luxurious Villa dei Papiri at Herculaneum collected the works of Epicurean philosopher Philodemus. Epicureans believed that we should savor the moment and be content with simple pleasures. Join philosopher Barry Smith for a sensory experience inspired by an Epicurean view of life in a Roman villa. Smith engages the mind and senses in a talk that bridges ancient philosophy and modern neuroscience, then leads a wine tasting with wine educator Diego Meraviglia. Enjoy a summer’s evening discovering art, sipping wine, and enjoying the scents and sounds of the Villa’s garden spaces.
Advance ticket required. Tickets: $75, includes wine and appetizers; complimentary parking. 21 and over.
Barry C. Smith is director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study. He is also the founding director of the Center for the Study of the Senses, which pioneers collaborative links between philosophers, psychologists, and neuroscientists. He is a philosopher of mind and language and his current research is on the multisensory interactions between flavor, taste, and smell. Furthermore, he served as editor of Questions of Taste: The Philosophy of Wine (2007) and is a frequent contributor to The World of Fine Wine and the wine as a columnist for Prospect magazine.
Bacchus Uncorked: Villas and Vineyards
Saturday, August 3, 2019, 5:30–8:30pm
The Getty Villa
Wine and beautiful surroundings went hand in hand in Ancient Roman villas. The area of Mt. Vesuvius inspired elite Romans to build lovely homes near the coast and grow grapevines in the rich volcanic soil. Learn from classical archaeologist Steven Tuck about villa life, the association of villas with producing and drinking wine, and the clever ways architecture and decor delighted the eye and inspired conversation. Then sip on a selection of Italian wines curated by wine educator Diego Meraviglia while enjoying the Villa’s garden peristyle with its sculpture, painted walls, and flora.
Advance ticket required. Tickets: $75, includes wine and appetizers; complimentary parking. 21 and over.
Steven L. Tuck is professor of Classics at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. After earning his BA in history and Classics at Indiana University, Tuck received his PhD in Classical art and archaeology from the University of Michigan. He has conducted archaeological fieldwork and research in Italy, Greece, England, and Egypt, and has directed more than a dozen study tours in Italy, concentrated on the city of Rome and the area around the Bay of Naples. He has written widely on subjects related to Roman art and civilization, presented dozens of public lectures across the U.S., and received numerous teaching awards.