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
Tonight is Burns Night, the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland.
This medal, made in 1859 by the Pinches family business in London, commemorates a hundred years since his birth on January 25, 1759.
This medal, made in 1859 by the Pinches family business in London, commemorates a hundred years since his birth on January 25, 1759.
January 25, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Tonight is Burns Night, the anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland.
This medal, made in 1859 by the Pinches family business in London, commemorates a hundred years since his birth on January 25, 1759.
This medal, made in 1859 by the Pinches family business in London, commemorates a hundred years since his birth on January 25, 1759.
The Ashmolean 🤝 The Traitors
🖤 Vase with violet-blue glaze, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period (1723 - 1735)
🕯️Guy Fawkes' lantern, c. 1605
🖼️ Portrait of a Lady, Johannes Cornelisz. Verspronck, c.1640
🚂 Detail of A Landscape with Two Steam Trains, likely by Félix Pissarro, c.1895
🖤 Vase with violet-blue glaze, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period (1723 - 1735)
🕯️Guy Fawkes' lantern, c. 1605
🖼️ Portrait of a Lady, Johannes Cornelisz. Verspronck, c.1640
🚂 Detail of A Landscape with Two Steam Trains, likely by Félix Pissarro, c.1895
January 23, 2026 at 5:35 PM
The Ashmolean 🤝 The Traitors
🖤 Vase with violet-blue glaze, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period (1723 - 1735)
🕯️Guy Fawkes' lantern, c. 1605
🖼️ Portrait of a Lady, Johannes Cornelisz. Verspronck, c.1640
🚂 Detail of A Landscape with Two Steam Trains, likely by Félix Pissarro, c.1895
🖤 Vase with violet-blue glaze, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period (1723 - 1735)
🕯️Guy Fawkes' lantern, c. 1605
🖼️ Portrait of a Lady, Johannes Cornelisz. Verspronck, c.1640
🚂 Detail of A Landscape with Two Steam Trains, likely by Félix Pissarro, c.1895
Édouard Manet was born on this day in 1832.
After twice failing the entrance exam to train as a naval officer, Manet went to Paris to pursue a career in the arts. By the late 1860s, he was one of the most celebrated artists in the city.
After twice failing the entrance exam to train as a naval officer, Manet went to Paris to pursue a career in the arts. By the late 1860s, he was one of the most celebrated artists in the city.
January 23, 2026 at 8:01 AM
Édouard Manet was born on this day in 1832.
After twice failing the entrance exam to train as a naval officer, Manet went to Paris to pursue a career in the arts. By the late 1860s, he was one of the most celebrated artists in the city.
After twice failing the entrance exam to train as a naval officer, Manet went to Paris to pursue a career in the arts. By the late 1860s, he was one of the most celebrated artists in the city.
This beautiful amethyst-tinted serving bottle is made from a type of glass developed during the 1670s that contained a high percentage of lead.
This so-called ‘lead-glass’ or ‘crystal’ was much heavier, less fragile and more brilliant than that produced previously in either England or Europe.
This so-called ‘lead-glass’ or ‘crystal’ was much heavier, less fragile and more brilliant than that produced previously in either England or Europe.
January 22, 2026 at 8:00 AM
This beautiful amethyst-tinted serving bottle is made from a type of glass developed during the 1670s that contained a high percentage of lead.
This so-called ‘lead-glass’ or ‘crystal’ was much heavier, less fragile and more brilliant than that produced previously in either England or Europe.
This so-called ‘lead-glass’ or ‘crystal’ was much heavier, less fragile and more brilliant than that produced previously in either England or Europe.
This ring, featuring a fragment of gold-glass, depicts a roaring lion. At only 1.8 cm across, the animal is depicted in extraordinary detail.
Roman gold-glass images began as parts of glass bowls. Images were made by engraving a picture onto a sheet of gold leaf.
Roman gold-glass images began as parts of glass bowls. Images were made by engraving a picture onto a sheet of gold leaf.
January 21, 2026 at 8:00 AM
This ring, featuring a fragment of gold-glass, depicts a roaring lion. At only 1.8 cm across, the animal is depicted in extraordinary detail.
Roman gold-glass images began as parts of glass bowls. Images were made by engraving a picture onto a sheet of gold leaf.
Roman gold-glass images began as parts of glass bowls. Images were made by engraving a picture onto a sheet of gold leaf.
Forget #BlueMonday, what is something that always makes you smile?
💙 Girl in a Bonnet with her Head on a Blue Pillow, 1902, Anna Alma-Tadema (1876–1943). Watercolour on paper. WA1964.81
💙 Girl in a Bonnet with her Head on a Blue Pillow, 1902, Anna Alma-Tadema (1876–1943). Watercolour on paper. WA1964.81
January 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Forget #BlueMonday, what is something that always makes you smile?
💙 Girl in a Bonnet with her Head on a Blue Pillow, 1902, Anna Alma-Tadema (1876–1943). Watercolour on paper. WA1964.81
💙 Girl in a Bonnet with her Head on a Blue Pillow, 1902, Anna Alma-Tadema (1876–1943). Watercolour on paper. WA1964.81
This Japanese netsuke features a beautiful Chinese woman by a vase of plum blossom.
The subject refers to a famous poem by the Chinese poet Zhao Shixiong (589–618). When climbing Mount Luofu in Southern China, the poet fell asleep under a flowering plum tree and the Spirit of the Plum Tree appeared
The subject refers to a famous poem by the Chinese poet Zhao Shixiong (589–618). When climbing Mount Luofu in Southern China, the poet fell asleep under a flowering plum tree and the Spirit of the Plum Tree appeared
January 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM
This Japanese netsuke features a beautiful Chinese woman by a vase of plum blossom.
The subject refers to a famous poem by the Chinese poet Zhao Shixiong (589–618). When climbing Mount Luofu in Southern China, the poet fell asleep under a flowering plum tree and the Spirit of the Plum Tree appeared
The subject refers to a famous poem by the Chinese poet Zhao Shixiong (589–618). When climbing Mount Luofu in Southern China, the poet fell asleep under a flowering plum tree and the Spirit of the Plum Tree appeared
Berthe Morisot, French painter and one of the founding members of the Impressionist movement, was born on this day in 1841.
This watercolour was made in Jersey where Berthe Morisot spent the summer of 1886. Morisot painted watercolours, mainly of landscape, throughout her life.
This watercolour was made in Jersey where Berthe Morisot spent the summer of 1886. Morisot painted watercolours, mainly of landscape, throughout her life.
January 14, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Berthe Morisot, French painter and one of the founding members of the Impressionist movement, was born on this day in 1841.
This watercolour was made in Jersey where Berthe Morisot spent the summer of 1886. Morisot painted watercolours, mainly of landscape, throughout her life.
This watercolour was made in Jersey where Berthe Morisot spent the summer of 1886. Morisot painted watercolours, mainly of landscape, throughout her life.
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.