ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art

Relief with Acanthus Foliage

CultureRoman

PeriodJulio-Claudian

Dateca. 14 CE

MediumMarble (Luna [Carrara])

Credit LineCarlos Collection of Ancient Art

Dimensions34 1/2 x 39 x 4 in. (87.6 x 99.1 x 10.2 cm)

Object number2004.009.001

Label TextLikely one part of a precinct (temenos) wall surrounding a major public altar in Rome, this relief panel is carved with scrolling acanthus tendrils loaded with blossoms and fruit, and adorned with ribbons. A bird perches at top left to feed her young. These motifs are characteristic of the imperial imagery of Augustus’s reign, which sought to convey political stability and prosperity through depictions of natural abundance. Another panel found in the Church of San Pietro Montorio in Rome comes from the same monument, which was constructed shortly after Augustus’s Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) was completed in 9 BC. Both fragments were uncovered in 1825, when this panel was acquired by the 4th Earl of Aberdeen and removed to Scotland.
Exhibition HistoryMCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, September 2004 - Present
Published ReferencesArt + Auction (September 2004): interior add from Rupert Wace.
Robert Cohon, "Forerunners of the Scrollwork on the Ara Pacis Augustae Made by a Western Asiatic Workshop," Journal of Roman Archaeology 17 (2004): 83-106.
Jasper Gaunt, "New Galleries of Greek & Roman Art at Emory University: The Michael C. Carlos Museum," Minerva 16 (January/February 2005): 13-17.
Jasper Gaunt, "Masterworks: The Classics - Monumental Art," Veranda (March/April 2005): 124.
Michael C. Carlos Museum: Highlights of the Collections (Atlanta: Michael C. Carlos Museum, 2011), 53.

ProvenanceEx coll. Gordon Family, Scotland, said to have been acquired in Rome, 1820s. Ex private collection, United Kingdom. With Sotheby's Sussex, Garden Statuary and Architectural Items, May 20-21, 2003, lot 500. Purchased by MCCM from Rupert Wace Ancient Art, Ltd., London, England.

Status

On view

Collections