Ancient marbles finally leave Europe for the United States and Canada
- The Torlonia Collection is the largest private collection of classical sculptures and is traveling to the United States and Canada after previous displays in Europe.
- The exhibition will feature sculptures dating from approximately the fifth century B.C. to the early fourth century, including specific selections made for the North American audience.
- This landmark exhibition highlights the importance of cultural exchange and aims to inspire visitors in multiple countries.
The Torlonia Collection, the largest private collection of classical sculptures, is set to make significant appearances in North America. After an illustrious debut in Rome and displays at notable institutions like the Louvre in Paris, the collection will showcase 58 of its sculptures at the Art Institute of Chicago starting in March. This tour marks the first time these ancient treasures will travel outside of Europe, demonstrating the international appeal of Roman antiquities. The exhibition, titled 'Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture From the Torlonia Collection,' aims to offer a fresh perspective for American audiences, incorporating 24 sculptures specifically chosen for this tour by co-curators Lisa Ayla Cakmak and Katharine A. Raff. The selection process involved extensive trips to the Torlonia laboratory in Rome, where restoration work is ongoing. The exhibition promises an innovative presentation and storytelling approach, setting it apart from past European showcases. Cakmak emphasized that the thematic organization includes sections on the sculptures discovered on the family's properties in Italy and Portugal, and a look into 19th-century collector trends. The exhibition's venue at the Art Institute of Chicago, housed in the Modern Wing, opened in 2009, allows ancient works to connect with contemporary art audiences—a significant aim of this exhibition. The Torlonia Collection's history is notable for its obscurity; it was largely hidden from public view for nearly a century until the recent accord in 2016 permitted exhibitions outside Italy. This collection continues to represent a significant resource for art historians and the general public, as articulated by Alessandro Poma Murialdo, President of the Torlonia Foundation. The effort to present these works internationally is both a strategic and cultural endeavor, reflecting the importance of global outreach for such a historical repository of art.