The Torlonia Foundation is set to unveil its prestigious collection of ancient Roman sculpture in the United States for the first time. The exhibition, titled Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection, will showcase 58 remarkable works, including portrait busts, large-scale figures, and exquisite sarcophagi. This significant event marks a reunion of these masterpieces with the public after decades of obscurity.
Once housed in the Torlonia Museum in Rome, the collection comprises over six hundred works spanning three centuries of antiquities. The museum closed at the onset of World War II, and the collection remained largely unseen until its reopening in 2020. The North American presentation features 24 newly restored pieces that have not been displayed for nearly a century, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the artistic heritage of ancient Rome.
Significance of the Collection
The sculptures date from approximately the 5th century BC to the 2nd century AD, with the majority originating from the High Imperial period, a time recognized for its artistic innovation. This era produced some of the most celebrated works in Roman art, emphasizing the technical prowess and cultural sophistication of the time. The Torlonia Foundation has meticulously studied and preserved these pieces, with support from Bvlgari in the Laboratori Torlonia.
The exhibition is co-organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and the Torlonia Foundation, in collaboration with the Kimbell Art Museum, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and The Museum Box. This partnership ensures a comprehensive experience for attendees, highlighting the collection’s significance in the context of art history.
Accessing the Exhibition
Visitors to the exhibition will encounter both intimate and monumental sculptures that encapsulate the grandeur of ancient Roman civilization. Each piece tells a story of its time, providing insight into the cultural and social dynamics of the period. The Torlonia Collection serves not only as an artistic treasure but also as a historical document, reflecting the values and beliefs of ancient Rome.
The exhibition opens to the public on October 15, 2023, and will run until February 15, 2024. It presents an unprecedented opportunity for audiences in the United States to engage with one of the most significant collections of ancient Roman sculpture ever assembled. As the artworks transition from Italy to America, they carry with them centuries of history, inviting viewers to explore the myths and realities of a bygone era.
In conclusion, Myth and Marble not only enriches the cultural landscape of American art but also re-establishes the importance of the Torlonia Collection in the global narrative of ancient Roman heritage.
