The Torlonia Collection Arrives in Montreal: A Rare Glimpse into Ancient Rome
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is now hosting the Torlonia Collection, widely considered the most vital private collection of ancient art in the world. After a prestigious showing at the Louvre in Paris, these iconic Roman sculptures have touched down in Montreal, where they will remain on view until July 19.
This exhibition marks a rare opportunity for North American audiences to encounter an ensemble of Greek and Roman sculptures—including sarcophagi, busts, and statues—that rarely leave Italy. The collection offers more than just aesthetic beauty. it provides a window into the collecting practices of the 19th century and the evolution of European museums during the Enlightenment.
The Legacy of Prince Alessandro Torlonia
The collection was assembled during the 19th century by the Torlonia princes in Rome, most notably expanded under Prince Alessandro Torlonia (1800-1884). A banker and prince, Alessandro built the collection through archaeological discoveries on Torlonia estates and the acquisition of major patrician collections. Today, the Collezione Torlonia comprises 620 Ancient Greek and Roman artworks, embodying a century of passion for antiquity.
Masterpieces on Display
Visitors to the MMFA can come face-to-face with some of the most lifelike works of antiquity. The exhibition features a diverse array of carved Roman characters, including:
- Imperial Portraits: Captivating depictions of Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius, Hadrian, and Commodus.
- Mythological Figures: Statues of Hercules, Bacchus, and Cupid.
- The Maiden of Vulci: One of the most celebrated portraits in the collection, this Roman work dates back to the mid-1st century BCE (late Republican Period).
These works are complemented by remarkably attractive bas-reliefs that showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Roman sculptors.
A Global Journey from Paris to Montreal
The Montreal exhibition is part of a high-profile international tour. The collection previously made its first appearance outside of Italy at the Louvre from June 26, 2024, to January 6, 2025, where the marbles were displayed in the renovated summer apartments of Anne of Austria.
Following its success in Paris, the collection traveled to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts serves as the only Canadian stop for these masterworks before they eventually return to Italy.
- What: The Torlonia Collection, the world’s premier private collection of ancient Roman and Greek art.
- Where: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (the only Canadian venue).
- When: On view until July 19.
- Highlight: The “Maiden of Vulci” and portraits of emperors Marcus Aurelius, Hadrian, and Commodus.
- Origin: Assembled in the 19th century by Prince Alessandro Torlonia.
Why This Exhibition Matters
Beyond the individual statues, the Torlonia Collection sheds light on the origin of museums. By displaying these private marbles alongside national collections, the exhibition explores how the interest in antiquity became a founding element of Western culture. It highlights the transition of art from private princely estates to public institutions, reflecting the intellectual shifts of the 19th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the only place in Canada to see the collection?
Yes, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the only Canadian stop for the Torlonia Collection exhibition.
Who assembled the collection?
The collection was assembled by the Torlonia princes of Rome, with significant expansion led by Prince Alessandro Torlonia in the 19th century.
What makes the “Maiden of Vulci” significant?
The Maiden of Vulci is a celebrated Roman portrait from the mid-1st century BCE, representing the late Republican Period and showcasing the extraordinary realism of the era’s sculpture.