Farnese Collection
The classical sculptures in the Farnese Collection, one aspect of this large art collection, are one of the first collections of artistic items from
History
The items in the collection were acquired or requisitioned by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, who became Pope Paul III (1534 - 1549). Classical artworks were routinely uncovered in Roman lands, and during the Italian Renaissance had become much desired. Many were family heirlooms of prominent families in Rome. Alessandro purchased the Sassi and Bernardino Fabio collections, confiscated the Colonna collection, and received the collection of Cardinal Federico Cesi as a donation. Other works were bought in the antiques market, including works that were appearing as part of excavations and construction throughout the city. Michelangelo had designed internal niches to display statuary in the massive Palazzo Farnese (1546) in Rome.
Many of the most famous works in the Farnese collection, such as the Farnese Hercules and the Farnese Bull, Flora, Gladiator, Athena, and others were all found at the Baths of Caracalla.
The Farnese collection was further enlarged by the Pope's nephew,
The Farnese's trusted collector and antiquarian Fulvio Orsini aided in shopping for other works and on his death, left his collection of gems, coins and busts to Odoardo Farnese. Among the works were two statues of Hercules and two statues of Flora; the two Gladiators were placed beneath the arches of the courtyard of the Palazzo; while the Farnese Bull was placed in a special enclosure in the second courtyard.
Display
Inside ancient statues were arranged according to themes within the Farnese Palace. In the Gran Salone, the Sala degli Imperatori, the Sala dei Filosofi and the Galleria dei Carracci were valuable marbles. The
Move to Naples
The Farnese family, who had become
The classical sculptures of the Farnese collections are still exhibited together at the
Famous items from the Farnese collection
The collection contains many copies of ancient Greek originals, and provides a broad review of classic Roman sculpture. Among the prizes of the collection are:
- Farnese Hercules (Naples National Archaeological Museum)
- Farnese Cup (Naples National Archaeological Museum)
- Farnese Bull (Naples National Archaeological Museum)
- Farnese Flora (Naples National Archaeological Museum)
- Farnese Gladiator (Naples National Archaeological Museum)
- Venus Kallipygos (Naples National Archaeological Museum)
- Farnese Atlas (Naples National Archaeological Museum)
- Farnese Athena (Naples National Archaeological Museum)
- Farnese Hermes (British Museum)
- Farnese Diadumenos (British Museum)
See also
References
- ^ https://www.museoarcheologiconapoli.it/it/le-collezioni/collezione-farnese-2/ Naples National Archeological Museum
- ^ British Museum Collection
- ^ In 1864, the British Museum acquired 10 items in total, currently displayed in galleries throughout the museum, including the Enlightenment Gallery and the Great Court.
- ^ British Museum Collection
- ^ British Museum Collection