Get ready to be transported to a world of timeless beauty and wisdom as the iconic Roman statue of Athena is unveiled in Chicago, marking a significant event in the world of classical art.
A Timeless Treasure Unveiled: The Halsted Athena
The unveiling of the Roman statue of Athena at Wrightwood 659 in Chicago marks a significant event in the world of classical art. This exquisite piece, dating back to the first half of the 1st century CE, is a testament to the enduring beauty and wisdom of ancient civilizations.
A Rich History
The Halsted Athena has had a storied past, having been owned by a British family for nearly 260 years. It was acquired by William Weddell, a British landowner and politician, during his travels in Rome in the mid-1700s. The statue found its way to Newby Hall in North Yorkshire, where it occupied a niche in a circular pink-hued gallery designed by Robert Adam. This elegant setting provided a fitting backdrop for the goddess of wisdom and war.
A Composite Figure
The Athena is a composite figure, a common practice in 18th-century Italy when buyers demanded complete sculptures, even if they were assembled from unrelated parts. The head, carved during the reign of Emperor Augustus (31 BC-14 CE), has been joined with a body dating to the time of Emperor Claudius (41-54 CE). A team of conservation experts has worked tirelessly to assess the statue’s condition and determine how best to present it.
A Layered Narrative
According to Karen Manchester, curator at the Halsted A&A Foundation, these restorations are key elements of the statue’s history, adding to its layered narrative. Such “pastiches” have their own kind of allure, telling stories that span centuries, empires, and hands of ownership. While they can confound modern archaeologists attempting to trace their origins, they reveal a rich tapestry of historical context.
A New Era for Classical Art
The presentation of the Halsted Athena at Wrightwood 659 sets the stage for “Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection,” a highly anticipated exhibition opening March 13 at the Art Institute of Chicago. This landmark exhibition marks the North American debut of fifty-eight rarely seen ancient Roman sculptures from the prestigious Torlonia Collection, a treasure trove of classical art that has captivated scholars and connoisseurs alike.
A Global Phenomenon
The global interest in classical art extends beyond Chicago. The Louvre in Paris recently closed “Masterpieces from the Torlonia Collection,” which presented highlights from this remarkable collection in the newly renovated summer apartments of Anne of Austria. In an era marked by geopolitical turmoil and cultural uncertainty, exhibitions like these serve as a refuge, offering the serene beauty and timeless wisdom of classical art.
