Objects that were believed to have some form of magic effect are part of an exhibition exploring how ancient cultures tried to change the world around themWhether it’s an ancient amulet to protect a newborn baby, a love spell to lock down a romantic relationship, a potion that someone might pick up today from their neighborhood apothecary, or even a spray of Chanel perfume to make yourself irresistIble, humans have used – and continue to use – magic to get what they want. These spells and their use in the ancient world are the focus of Cursed! an entrancing exhibition at the Toledo Museum of Art that offers a deep dive into the use of magic in ancient cultures in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome.“Magic is in all societies, it’s a very basic human desire, to want to have some control over your world,” said show curator Dr Jeffrey Spier, a former senior curator with the J Paul Getty Museum. “There’s always been a desire to use some hidden power to get what you need.” <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/mar/23/cursed-exhibition-toledo-museum-ohio">Continue reading...</a>

يستضيف متحف توليدو للفنون معرضًا بعنوان 'Cursed!' يستكشف استخدام السحر في الثقافات القديمة، ويعرض أشياء مثل التمائم، وتعويذات الحب، والجرع من بلاد ما بين النهرين، ومصر، واليونان، وروما. يؤكد المنسق الدكتور جيفري سبير أن السحر يعكس رغبة إنسانية أساسية في السيطرة على البيئة المحيطة.

El Museo de Arte de Toledo está llevando a cabo una exposición titulada 'Cursed!' que explora el uso de la magia en culturas antiguas, presentando objetos como amuletos, conjuros de amor y pociones de Mesopotamia, Egipto, Grecia y Roma. El curador Dr. Jeffrey Spier enfatiza que la magia refleja un deseo humano fundamental de control sobre el entorno.

Le musée d'art de Toledo présente une exposition intitulée 'Cursed!' qui explore l'utilisation de la magie dans les cultures anciennes, mettant en avant des objets tels que des amulettes, des sorts d'amour et des potions provenant de la Mésopotamie, de l'Égypte, de la Grèce et de Rome. Le conservateur Dr Jeffrey Spier souligne que la magie reflète un désir humain fondamental de contrôle sur son environnement.

The Toledo Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition titled 'Cursed!' that delves into the use of magic in ancient cultures, featuring objects like amulets, love spells, and potions from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Curator Dr. Jeffrey Spier emphasizes that magic reflects a fundamental human desire for control over one's environment.

‘A very basic human desire to want some control’: US exhibition explores the power of magic

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