MASTERPIECES OF ROMAN SCULPTURE
Montreal
Museum of Fine Arts
March
14 – July 19, 2026
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) was honoured to host The Torlonia Collection: Masterpieces of Roman Sculpture. The final stop on a historic North American tour, this major exhibition brought together 57 lifelike marble sculptures: Roman statues, busts, and sarcophagi; stunning bas-reliefs; mythological creatures; and striking portraits of gods and goddesses, emperors, and their wives. These masterpieces have been shown in Canada for the first time.
The Largest Private Collection of Ancient Roman Marble Sculptures The Torlonia Collection is one of the most important ensembles of ancient Roman sculptures still in existence. Assembled in the 19th century by the Torlonia family, most notably by prince and banker Alessandro Torlonia (1800–1884), who founded the Museo Torlonia in 1876, the collection rivals the Vatican and Capitoline museums in both quality and scope.
A true "collection of collections," it was built thanks to excavations on former imperial estates and through a series of acquisitions of major holdings. It comprises 623 marble works (and a single bronze work) representing Roman sculpture from the Republic through the Empire periods. For much of the past century, access to these works has been limited: they were known primarily through 19th-century publications. After spending decades out of public view, the sculptures have now been restored and are finally being presented in all their splendour.
Alessandro Poma Murialdo, President of Fondazione Torlonia, stated:
"Fondazione Torlonia is excited to be sharing the Torlonia Collection with audiences in Canada for the first time. This exceptional group of ancient sculptures is a testament to the enduring cultural legacy of ancient Rome, as well as the vision and passion of multiple generations of the Torlonia family."
Carlotta Loverini Botta, Director of Fondazione Torlonia elaborated:
"Fondazione Torlonia is delighted to present in Canada this important ensemble, which covers three centuries of collecting ancient masterpieces. This exhibition reflects not only the history of the artworks themselves, but also the legacies of their many owners: the centuries-old Roman aristocracy, acclaimed restorers, and visionary collectors. It exemplifies the ‘contemporary act' of a long-standing principle underpinning the Torlonia Family's practice of artistic patronage—for through art, people find their destinies to be intertwined, shaping not only what we see, but also who we become."
Laura
Vigo, Curator of Asian art and Archeology at the MMFA and
responsible for the exhibition's Montreal presentation,
added:
"Assembled by a lineage of princes, the Torlonia Collection offers a rare opportunity to experience the sensory power these ancient marble sculptures still radiate today. Visitors will have the chance to meet the gaze of Roman emperors such as Marcus Aurelius, Hadrian, and Commodus, and to encounter Hercules, Bacchus, or Cupid as they walk among some of the most celebrated statues of Antiquity."
This landmark exhibition brings together nearly 60 ancient marbles of breathtaking realism: Roman statues, busts and sarcophagi, bas-reliefs of stunning beauty, mythological creatures, and striking portraits of gods and goddesses, emperors and their consorts. These masterworks are being presented in Canada for the first time.
The Torlonia Collection stands as one of the most important ensembles of ancient Roman sculpture in existence. Assembled by the Torlonia family in the 19th century, most notably by prince and banker Alessandro Torlonia (1800-1884), who established the Museo Torlonia in 1876, the collection rivals the Vatican and Capitoline Museums in both quality and scope.
The final stop of a historic North American tour, The Torlonia Collection is still on view at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) until July 19, 2026. This exhibition is an exceptional window into the artistic genius of ancient Rome.
All photos @Nadia Slejskova
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Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts website for more information and to purchase your tickets online.
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