Grand Tour Souvenir of Temple of Vespasian and Titus
- Item No.
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Item Details
- Width:
7 3/4 Inches - Height:
17 5/8 Inches - Period:
19th Century - Origin:
Other Europe - Material:
Marble
This remarkable antique Italian sculpture is a faithful model of ruins of the Temple of Roman Emperors Vespasian and Titus in Rome. Crafted in intricate detail of Italian Sienna marble on an alabaster base, from the steps leading into the temple to the delicate Corinthian capitals, this realistic statue depicts the three Corinthian columns at southeast corner of the temple's vestibule, one of the few parts of the temple that remain today. Almost certainly a souvenir from a Grand Tour enjoyed by a well-to-do traveler, this exceptional piece is a beautiful reminder of the grandeur of ancient Rome.
Inscribed "ESTITUER" part of the word "restituer," meaning "re-establish," on the entablature and ROMA IL TEMPIO DI VESPASIANO
Circa 1880
7 3/4" wide 17 5/8" high
Vespasian was Roman Emperor from 69 AD to 79 A.D., and the founder of the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the empire for 25 years. This temple was constructed to honor Vespasian, his older son and successor Titus (ruled 79-81 A.D.), and Domitian (ruled 81-96 A.D.), his younger son and successor to Titus. Titus and Vespasian were each deified through the ceremony of apotheosis. Thus, tradition dictated that they be honored by Roman citizens and subjects as Roman deities. This imperial cult worship was as much a sign of allegiance to the emperor of Rome, or as a political and diplomatic gesture, as it was a formal religion.
The temple suffered significant damage during medieval times, particularly circa 1300 under Pope Boniface VIII, and in Pope Nicholas V's remodeling of the Forum. All that survives today is the podium's core, parts of the inner chamber, and the three Corinthian columns depicted in this classic figure.
Inscribed "ESTITUER" part of the word "restituer," meaning "re-establish," on the entablature and ROMA IL TEMPIO DI VESPASIANO
Circa 1880
7 3/4" wide 17 5/8" high
Vespasian was Roman Emperor from 69 AD to 79 A.D., and the founder of the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the empire for 25 years. This temple was constructed to honor Vespasian, his older son and successor Titus (ruled 79-81 A.D.), and Domitian (ruled 81-96 A.D.), his younger son and successor to Titus. Titus and Vespasian were each deified through the ceremony of apotheosis. Thus, tradition dictated that they be honored by Roman citizens and subjects as Roman deities. This imperial cult worship was as much a sign of allegiance to the emperor of Rome, or as a political and diplomatic gesture, as it was a formal religion.
The temple suffered significant damage during medieval times, particularly circa 1300 under Pope Boniface VIII, and in Pope Nicholas V's remodeling of the Forum. All that survives today is the podium's core, parts of the inner chamber, and the three Corinthian columns depicted in this classic figure.
