Dublin Core
Title
Cast no.28
Abstract
Frieze block from the Temple of Venus Genetrix, Rome.
Carrara(?) marble.
113 CE.
Lateran Museum, Rome.
H 39 1/2 in., W 99 in.
Metropolitan Catalogue: Cast no. 1300.
Long-term loan.
Cast Location: Concert Hall mezzanine
The marble Temple of Venus Genetrix stood on a high podium at one end of the Forum of Julius Caesar. The temple had eight Corinthian columns across the front, and half-columns along the sides. Inside the temple were statues of Venus, Julius Caesar, and Cleopatra, as well as collections of paintings and of gems. Venus Genetrix was the Roman goddess of motherhood and fertility, and she was considered to be the ancestress of the Roman people. Julius Caesar claimed direct descent from Venus Genetrix and Aeneas. Thus the temple really honored Venus Genetrix and Julius Caesar. This temple and the Forum of Julius Caesar were dedicated in 46 BCE. Damaged by fire around 80 CE, the temple was rebuilt by Trajan in 113 CE, to judge from the dedication. This section of the frieze, with scrolls and acanthus leaves carved in high relief, and a few other remains are all that survive: the temple itself is in ruin.
~Lindsay Simmons
Carrara(?) marble.
113 CE.
Lateran Museum, Rome.
H 39 1/2 in., W 99 in.
Metropolitan Catalogue: Cast no. 1300.
Long-term loan.
Cast Location: Concert Hall mezzanine
The marble Temple of Venus Genetrix stood on a high podium at one end of the Forum of Julius Caesar. The temple had eight Corinthian columns across the front, and half-columns along the sides. Inside the temple were statues of Venus, Julius Caesar, and Cleopatra, as well as collections of paintings and of gems. Venus Genetrix was the Roman goddess of motherhood and fertility, and she was considered to be the ancestress of the Roman people. Julius Caesar claimed direct descent from Venus Genetrix and Aeneas. Thus the temple really honored Venus Genetrix and Julius Caesar. This temple and the Forum of Julius Caesar were dedicated in 46 BCE. Damaged by fire around 80 CE, the temple was rebuilt by Trajan in 113 CE, to judge from the dedication. This section of the frieze, with scrolls and acanthus leaves carved in high relief, and a few other remains are all that survive: the temple itself is in ruin.
~Lindsay Simmons
Bibliographic Citation
Bibliography
See Grove Art Online, "Forum Julium," 10 Dec. 2004. http://mutex.gmu.edu:2180/shared/views/article.html?from=search&session_search_id=150258 047&hitnum=3§ion=art.073229.5.2.1 Figure. Figure. Detail of no. 28 by Andrew Zimmerman.
See Grove Art Online, "Forum Julium," 10 Dec. 2004. http://mutex.gmu.edu:2180/shared/views/article.html?from=search&session_search_id=150258 047&hitnum=3§ion=art.073229.5.2.1 Figure. Figure. Detail of no. 28 by Andrew Zimmerman.
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