Ancient Roman art has long been a subject of fascination for historians, art lovers, and casual visitors alike. The recent exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, titled “Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection,” marks a significant cultural milestone, as it showcases nearly 60 exquisite works of art from a private collection that has not been seen in North America before. This exhibition is particularly notable as it comes 44 years after the museum last presented ancient Roman sculpture, making it a rare opportunity for the public to engage with these timeless pieces.
Co-organized by the Art Institute of Chicago and the Rome-based Torlonia Foundation, the exhibit will remain open until June 29, 2024, before touring to the Kimbell Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. The variety of sculptures on display ranges from marble portraits of emperors and officials to depictions of gods and goddesses, as well as reliefs, animal sculptures, and funerary monuments. Notably, the exhibition also features the collection’s only surviving bronze piece, the “Statue of Germanicus,” dating back to the 1st century.
The exhibition’s centerpiece is a remarkable “gallery of emperors,” showcasing statues of Rome’s imperial leaders and their family members. This gallery is designed to highlight the grandeur and significance of Roman leadership while inviting visitors to appreciate the artistic prowess evident in these ancient works. “These are some of the largest sculpted works coming out of the Roman world, and these are things that we don’t see in U.S. museums,” stated Katharine A. Raff, curator of the arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium. “You have to go to Italy to see objects like this, and so it’s really exciting.”
**The Artistic Richness of Roman Sculpture**
The exhibition challenges the perception that Roman sculpture is merely antiquated or irrelevant. Visitors may be surprised by the audacity and vibrancy of these artworks, which remain compelling even two millennia after their creation. All but three of the Torlonia sculptures are displayed in three first-floor galleries of the museum’s Modern Wing, a deliberate choice made by the curators to create a contemporary environment that bridges the ancient past with modern sensibilities.
“What we wanted to do,” said Lisa Ayla Çakmak, fellow curator of the exhibition, “was help people build this bridge to the ancient past about images. We’re surrounded by media. The ancient Romans were surrounded by media. It’s just that our media today tends to be digital, and in the ancient Roman world, sculpture was the medium par excellence.” This innovative approach aims to make the ancient works feel fresh and relevant to current audiences.
The exhibition features large-scale pieces, such as the “Strigilated Sarcophagus with Lions,” which measures an impressive 57½-by-104¾ inches and weighs around 9,000 pounds. The logistics involved in transporting and installing these monumental objects serve as a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship and planning of the time.
**A Closer Look at the Torlonia Collection**
The Torlonia Collection has been curated by successive generations of the Torlonia family since the early 19th century. The collection is renowned for its comprehensive assembly of over 600 sculptures, dating from the 5th century BCE to the 4th century CE, including numerous imperial portraits from the height of the Roman Empire. Unlike typical museum displays that often feature fragmented remains of ancient sculptures, the Torlonia exhibition presents nearly all works in their complete forms, many of which have been meticulously restored.
This restoration process is intriguing in itself, as some of the pieces were restored as far back as the 16th century, with famous sculptors like Gian Lorenzo Bernini contributing to the works. For instance, the “Statue of a Resting Goat” features a head attributed to Bernini, showcasing how these artworks have undergone various transformations throughout history. To ensure transparency, each piece in the exhibition comes with a diagram outlining which sections are original and which have been added later, allowing viewers to appreciate the rich narratives behind these sculptures.
**Noteworthy Highlights from the Exhibition**
Several standout pieces in the exhibition have captured the attention of visitors and scholars alike:
– “Portrait of a Young Woman, known as the Maiden of Vulci,” mid-1st century BCE: This striking 13½-inch bust is celebrated for its intense realism, depicting a young woman gazing slightly upward and to the right.
– “Portrait of a Man, known as the Old Man of Otricoli,” mid-1st century BCE: This 30¾-inch tall sculpture eschews idealization, instead presenting a deeply human portrayal with all the wrinkles of old age clearly articulated.
– “Statue of a Goddess, known as Hestia Giustiniani,” first half of the 2nd century: Standing 78¾ inches tall, this statue is a copy of a Greek original and features a more subdued modeling style compared to the typical ornate Roman sculptures of the time.
– “Portus Relief,” late 2nd-early 3rd century: This fascinating relief combines scenes of Portus, the primary port of imperial Rome, with mythological imagery, including a large eye believed to ward off evil.
**Conclusion: A Timeless Connection**
“Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection” is not just an exhibition; it is an invitation to explore the complexities of Roman identity, artistry, and culture. By presenting these works in a modern context, the Art Institute of Chicago encourages visitors to reflect on the enduring relevance of ancient art. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder that art transcends time, and the beauty and craftsmanship of Roman sculpture continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. Whether you are an art aficionado or a curious visitor, this exhibition promises to inspire and educate, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of human history.
As the exhibition continues its tour after its Chicago run, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all who encounter these magnificent works of art.
