History & Preservation
Greek and Roman Sculptures in the Museo Archeologico
Unidentified Greek and Roman sculptors | Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Venezia
Donors
Save Venice wishes to thank the many donors who have sponsored the following sculptures:
Head of Satyr: Frank & Phyllis Angello
Head of Satyr and Head of Meleager: the Malcolm Hewitt Wiener Foundation
Aphrodite Marina: Profs. Patricia Fortini Brown & Sarah Blake McHam
Head of an Athlete: Mary Ellen Oldenburg
Head of Tolomeo III Evergete: Robin Rowan Clarke
History
These statues once belonged to Domenico Grimani, a member of a powerful Venetian patrician family who was one of the most important collectors of his day. In addition to ancient Greek and Roman statuary, Domenico amassed an impressive collection of paintings, drawings, and prints, including works by Giorgione, Titian, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Hieronymous Bosch, Joachim Patinier, and Hans Memling.
In 1521, Domenico bequeathed to his ‘patria’ most of his treasures, with the stipulation that they had to be installed together to honor his role as the donor. Perhaps his generous donation was inspired by gratitude to his native city for having elected his father, Antonio, to the position of Doge in that same year.
The sculptures, which became proud emblems of Venice’s invented ancient heritage, were displayed in the Palazzo Ducale from 1525-1586. They would provide inspiration to generations of artists, offering them the opportunity to personally observe this rich array of classical statuary. The Grimani family donations grew in 1587, when Domenico’s nephew, Giovanni, offered his own large collection to the state. In 1596, the Grimani collections were transferred to a room adjoining the Marciana Library. This space was adapted to serve as the Archaeological Museum of Venice, where the statues are still housed today.
Conservation
The sculptures were restored in the early 1970s when a protective consolidating agent was applied that has since yellowed severely. This yellowed layer combined with a layer of grime and dirt has altered the legibility of the objects. Cracks were repaired with inappropriate materials that need to be removed. The surface of the sculptures will be cleaned to remove deposits and altered materials. Cracks will be repaired with marble dust and stucco. A final coat of natural wax will be applied for protection.
About the Artworks
Unidentified Greek and Roman sculptors
1st, 2nd, and 3rd centuries B.C., marble
Head of Satyr, Roman, 2nd Century | Sponsored by Frank & Phyllis Angello
Head of Satyr, Greek, 2nd Century B.C. | Sponsored by the Malcolm Hewitt Wiener Foundation
Head of Meleager, Roman, 2nd Century after Greek 2nd century B.C. | Sponsored by the Malcolm Hewitt Wiener Foundation
Aphrodite Marina, 2nd century Roman after Asia Minor school from the 1st century B.C. | Sponsored by Profs. Patricia Fortini Brown & Sarah Blake McHam
Head of an Athlete, Greek 3rd century B.C. | Sponsored by Mary Ellen Oldenburg
Head of Tolomeo III Evergete, Greek, 3rd century B.C. | Sponsored by Robin Rowan Clarke
For Further Reading
Brown, Patricia Fortini. Venice & Antiquity: The Venetian Sense of the Past. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996.
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New York Office
133 East 58th Street, Suite 501
New York, NY 10022
Venice Office
Palazzo Contarini Polignac
Dorsoduro 870 30123 Venice, Italy
Rosand Library & Study Center
The Rosand Library & Study Center is accessible by appointment.