Jean-Claude Golvin is a French architect, archaeologist and former researcher at the CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research - Bordeaux III Michel de Montaigne University). He is the world’s first specialist in the visual reconstruction of great sites from the Antiquity.
He has produced over 1000 drawings of ancient and medieval cities and monuments, most of which are deposited at the Departmental Museum of Ancient Arles – the most active museum in France regarding this period in history, second only to the Louvre.
Biography
Jean-Claude Golvin was born in 1942 under the sunny skies of Tunisia, in the town of Sfax. From an early age, he developed a passion for drawing, history and visiting the ancient sites of North Africa (Tunisia, Algeria).
After qualifying as an architect (Architect DPLG in 1969, urban planner DIUP in 1972), he joined several archaeological missions. From 1973 onwards, he took part in the promotion and development of the Roman amphitheater of El-Jem in Tunisia. His interest in Roman amphitheaters prompted him to pursue a PhD in History in 1985, writing his thesis on: "The Roman amphitheater, a theorization of its form and functions."
From 1979 to 1990, he lived in Egypt, managing the Franco-Egyptian Centre for the Study of the Temples of Karnak in Luxor. Upon returning to France in 1989, he devoted himself fully to the reconstruction of ancient heritage through watercolor drawings. Since 1995, he has regularly featured in exhibitions, published many books and contributed to several journals.
In addition to their scientific value, rooted in the preparatory research they require, Jean-Claude Golvin's "visual reconstructions", also constitute an exceptional body of artistic work. It is only natural to find these works in a museum today, for everyone’s greatest enjoyment.
Robert Vergnieux
The reconstructions
The aim of architectural reconstruction is to obtain a rational image of the studied city, following a specific methodology and collaborating with the best specialists of the given sites (historians, archaeologists, etc.). On a scientific level, this is meticulous work: it involves creating what researchers call "a theoretical model of the ancient city". However, since the aim is to broadcast these images to a wide audience, their their artistic quality can only enhance their efficiency.
Jean-Claude Golvin creates his images using Indian ink and watercolor, which is his favorite medium. They need to be realistic and precise because they serve an educational purpose. They also need to attract the viewer’s attention and be pleasing to look at. Their artistic interest owes to the author’s own personality and sensitivity.
TITLES AND DEGREES
- 1985
Ph.D. in history. Thesis defented at the University of Bordeaux III under the supervision of Professor Robert ETIENNE.
Thesis subject : “The Roman amphitheater, a theorization of its form and functions”.
Knight of the National Order of Merit (French)
Knight of the National Order of Merit (Tunisian)
- 1972
Urban planner DIUP (Paris Institute of Urban Planning).
- 1969
Architect D.P.L.G. (Government certified Architect).
What makes his work unique is that not only does he display great skill, he also integrates
the discoveries made by archaeologists and specialists, down to the smallest detail.