Fragment of historical relief with male head

Frammento di rilievo storico con testa maschile
Type: 
Sculpture
Year: 
1st century A.D.
Material and technique: 
Luni marble
Origin: 
From Viterbo, gift from L. Pollak
Inventory: 
Inv. MB 305

Pollak bought this relief from a collector in Viterbo. Initially it was thought to have come from the Ara Pacis. In reality, the beautiful male head, viewed in profile and exhibiting intense emotion, can be compared more appropriately with historical reliefs from the reign of Claudius, such as the ones now affixed to the inner façade of Villa Medici, and attributed to the Ara Pietatis Augustae.

The hall

This room displays Roman artworks, plus some medieval pieces that wind up the long chronological itinerary through the Barracco collection.