Ancient Greek and Roman Statues Reappear After Years in Storage

Culture & Entertainment
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2021-01-23

Visitors to Rome can now see one of the most important private collections of ancient Greek and Roman marble sculptures.

The 90 works from the Torlonia Collection opened this week in the newly rebuilt Palazzo Caffarelli, overlooking the Roman Forum.

Among the works is a marble fountain that was made in ancient Greece. Experts on ancient Rome believe the fountain once stood in the garden of the general and statesman Julius Caesar. At the time, it was already hundreds of years old.

The 620-piece Torlonia collection is believed to be the greatest private collection of classical art in the world.

It was begun more than a century ago by Prince Alessandro Torlonia. He found many of the pieces on the grounds of his family’s Roman properties. Wealthy from a business relationship with the Vatican, the family purchased other well-known sculpture collections.

In 1884, the Prince built his own museum to show off his collection. When the museum closed in 1976, the pieces went into storage.

The Torlonia family chose Settis to help with the difficult job of deciding which works should be shown to the public.

The show will stay open until June 29, 2021. It is the result of public and private cooperation among the culture ministry, the city of Rome, the Torlonia Foundation and the Roman jeweler Bvlgari.

Today's Vocabulary

1. sculptures (n)
the art of forming solid objects that represent a thing, person, idea, etc. out of a material such as wood, clay, metal, or stone, or an object made in this way

2. fountain (n)
a stream of water that is forced up into the air through a small hole, especially for decorative effect, or the structure in a lake or pool from which this flows

3. statesman (n)
an experienced politician, especially one who is respected for making good judgments

4. museum (n) 
a building where objects of historical, scientific, or artistic interest are kept

5.  restored (v )
to return something or someone to an earlier good condition or position

6. show off (phr.v)
to behave in a way that is intended to attract attention or admiration, and that other people often find annoying

7. overlooking (v)
to provide a view of, especially from above

QUESTIONS
  1. What once stood in the garden of the general and statesman Julius Caesar?

  2. Where can you see the  90 works from the Torlonia Collection?

  3. Until when will the show be open?

  4. Who does the Torlonia family choose in deciding which work should be shown to the public?
DISCUSSION
  1. Do you think these sculptures are art?

  2. Why might people not be happy with the sculptures?

  3. What is your favourite piece of art?

  4. What is the most famous statue in your country?

  5. Have you ever tried sculpting or something else artistic?