Some of the Torlonia Marbles are considered essential to an understanding of Roman art. Yet they have been almost entirely hidden from view since the second world war
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskThe people in these scenes lived—if they lived at all—around 2,000 years ago. But they have survived, trapped in marble, alongside Roman emperors and the heroes and deities of mythology in the world’s largest private collection of classical statuary. In the 18th and 19th centuries the princely Torlonia family acquired well over 1,000 works. Some are considered essential to an understanding of Roman art.
The museum closed during the second world war and became even more impenetrable. Even a senior government official had to disguise himself as a workman to get a peek at such celebrated works as the “Girl from Vulci”, whose smile, as enigmatic as the Mona Lisa’s, was known almost entirely from photographs. In 1976 the busts, statues and sarcophaguses were moved into storage so the building could be split into flats.
“Here [the exhibits] get all the air and space they need to flourish,” says the director of the Torlonia Foundation, Carlotta Loverini Botta. She sweeps a hand around the central hall in which the busts, mostly of Roman emperors, stand on pedestals encircling the sole bronze: a life-size figure of the imperial general, Germanicus.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Freddie McGregor charts course for the Out of Many FestivalThe Captain of the Big Ship returns – legendary reggae artist Freddie McGregor is one...
Weiterlesen »
Oprah Winfrey announces death of beloved father Vernon aged 88Legendary TV presenter Oprah Winfrey has shared that her father Vernon died aged 88 from cancer yesterday, and that she and her family celebrated his life over Independence Day weekend
Weiterlesen »
Princess Olympia of Greece lands new job as shoe designerAquazurra appoints Princess Olympia of Greece as their brand ambassador AND she’s designing a collection - see more
Weiterlesen »
5 Things To Know About Fendi’s Fresh Take On Haute Couture For AW22“I wanted lightness in the clothes this season,” Fendi’s creative director Kim Jones says of his approach to the brand’s autumn/winter 2022 haute couture collection.
Weiterlesen »