The Torlonia Foundation, renowned for housing the world’s most significant private collection of ancient Roman sculpture, is bringing its masterpieces to the United States for the first time. The exhibition, titled Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection, will feature an impressive selection of works, including exquisite portrait busts, grand figures of deities, stunning sarcophagi, and intricate relief carvings.
Previously displayed at the Torlonia Museum in Rome, the collection comprises over six hundred items spanning three centuries of antiquities. The museum closed at the onset of World War II, which left these remarkable pieces largely unseen until 2020. This upcoming presentation in North America will showcase 58 highlights from the Torlonia Collection, of which 24 newly restored works have not been publicly exhibited in nearly a century.
Exhibition Details and Historical Significance
The sculptures on display date from approximately the 5th century BC to the 2nd century AD, with a significant concentration from the High Imperial period, particularly the 1st to 2nd centuries AD. This era is recognized as the pinnacle of artistic innovation in ancient Rome, making the exhibition a vital opportunity for audiences to engage with historical artistry.
The Torlonia Foundation has invested considerable resources into the preservation and study of these works, particularly through collaboration with Bvlgari in the Laboratori Torlonia. The exhibition is further supported by the law firm Chiomenti, which has enabled the Foundation to articulate its educational and cultural programs.
Co-organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and the Torlonia Foundation, this exhibition also involves partnerships with the Kimbell Art Museum, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and The Museum Box. Together, these institutions aim to offer American audiences an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the most significant collections of ancient Roman sculpture ever assembled.
Impact on Cultural Exchange
The arrival of these sculptures marks a pivotal moment in cultural exchange, as American visitors will gain access to artworks that have not been seen outside of Italy for decades. The exhibition promises to provide insights into the artistic practices and societal values of ancient Rome, enhancing appreciation for this historical period.
As excitement builds for Myth and Marble, art enthusiasts, historians, and the general public alike look forward to exploring the depth and beauty of ancient Roman culture through these extraordinary sculptures. The exhibition represents not only a celebration of artistic heritage but also a bridging of cultural divides, bringing Rome’s ancient past into contemporary dialogue with the present.
