Experience the grandeur of ancient Rome through 58 rarely seen sculptures from the prestigious Torlonia Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago’s latest exhibition.
A Rare Treasure Trove of Ancient Roman Sculpture
The Art Institute of Chicago has just opened an extraordinary exhibition featuring fifty-eight rarely seen sculptures from the prestigious Torlonia Collection. Spanning nine centuries, this collection brings to life the gods, emperors, and everyday life of ‘ancient Rome‘.
The Torlonia Collection is a vast and impressive collection of art and artifacts housed in the Villa Torlonia in 'Rome' , Italy.
The collection spans over two centuries and features works by renowned artists such as 'Caravaggio' , 'Titian' , and 'Rubens.'
With over 650 paintings, 500 sculptures, and numerous tapestries and furnishings, the collection is a testament to the family's love of art and culture.
The Torlonia Collection has been founded in the 18th century, the collection has been preserved and maintained through the centuries, providing a unique glimpse into the artistic tastes of the Torlonia family.
The Story Behind the Collection
Originally intended to decorate the Torlonia Family Estates, the collection was transformed by Prince Alessandro Torlonia into a museum, following in the tradition of artist ‘Raphael‘. The story behind this transformation is impressive, showcasing the dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage.
The exhibition features twenty-four sculptures that have not been on display anywhere in nearly a century, including recently restored pieces. One such piece is the ‘Statue of an Emperor on a Throne with a Portrait of Augustus,’ which boasts a complicated title due to its later head being added. The emperor’s pose was associated with Zeus from the 5th Century BCE, making it a powerful piece of propaganda.
Ancient Roman sculpture was heavily influenced by Greek art, but it developed its own unique style.
Roman sculptors often used marble and other materials to create grandiose works that celebrated the power and wealth of Rome.
Famous examples include Laocoon and his Sons and the Augustus of Prima Porta.
These sculptures showcased the technical skill and artistic expression of Roman artists.
Many ancient Roman sculptures have survived to this day, providing a glimpse into the artistic tastes and values of ancient Rome.
A Glimpse into Ancient Rome
The pieces in this exhibition convey a great sense of what it must have been like to encounter these works in their contemporary setting. Take the ‘Portus Relief,’ which tells a story of travel wonders from Imperial Rome’s era. The relief shows a ship with an ornate sail, accompanied by images of Romulus, Remus, and the she-wolf, creating an otherworldly sensation that may have been the curators‘ goal.
The exhibition also features the enigmatic ‘Portrait of a Young Woman,’ known as the ‘Maiden of Vulci.’ This piece is remarkable for its realistic depiction, with plump cheeks and a mouth caught in mid-conversation. The large eyes are anime-esque, making it easy to imagine how appealing this work must have been in its original setting.
Ancient Roman portraits were a significant aspect of the culture, often created to immortalize notable individuals.
These artworks typically depicted the subject in a realistic and detailed manner, showcasing their social status and achievements.
Busts and full-length statues were common formats for Roman portraits.
The most famous examples include the Augustus of Prima Porta and the Laocoon Group.
Archaeologists have discovered numerous Roman portrait sculptures, revealing insights into the artistic techniques and cultural values of ancient Rome.
The exhibition will be on view at the Art Institute of Chicago until June 29, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the beauty and grandeur of ‘ancient Roman’ sculpture.
