News & Stories

The impressive collection of Greek and Roman sculptures in the Archeological Museum of Venice represents the history of Venetian artistic connoisseurship. A majority of this collection includes ancient treasures once owned by Venetian patricians Domenico and Giovanni Grimani, later bequeathed to the republic of Venice in the 16th century and displayed in Palazzo Ducale and the Marciana Library. The examples these sculptures offered transformed the work of generations of Venetian artists. Additional sculptures joined the collection in 1795 following the donation of Girolamo Zulian’s collection. Zulian was Antonio Canova’s sponsor and many of these works were likely restored by Canova and his collaborators.

Almost fifty years have passed since several of the sculptures in the museum have undergone conservation treatment. Previously applied protective consolidating agents have yellowed, dirt and grime has accumulated, and cracks previously repaired using less than ideal materials have become problematic.

You can play a direct role in the preservation of these sculptures by adopting one or all of the five figures in greatest need of conservation. The slideshow above includes the photos of Aphrodite Marina, Heads of Two Satires, the Head of Meleager, and the Head of an Athlete, all available for sponsorship. The Head of Tolomeo III Evergete has been graciously sponsored by Robin Rowan Clarke and Thomas Clarke in honor of Professor Richard Brilliant. Sponsorship opportunities are available beginning at $2,560. Contact kim@savevenice.org for more information.