A masterful copy. That’s what Goethe called it. This bronze cast of the Juno Ludovisi bust before you. A testament to the enduring power of art.
The original? A colossal Roman marble head. Dating back to the 1st century CE. It resided in Rome’s Villa Ludovisi. Now it’s in the Palazzo Altemps. But here in Dresden we have this remarkable copy. A faithful representation.
Goethe himself owned a cast. He treasured it. He considered this sculpture a masterpiece. He even placed it in his Roman apartment. A sketch by Tischbein shows him proudly displaying it. Think of that. The great Goethe. Admiring this very same style of art.
The bust’s identity has been debated. It is believed to be a portrait. Not of Juno. But of Antonia Minor. Daughter of Marcus Antonius. A posthumous and deified portrait. A clever way to immortalize the powerful woman.
Many believe the likeness is that of Livia as well. Another influential Roman woman. The debate continues. Adding to the mystery. Adding to the allure. This piece has even appeared in literature. Henry James mentions it in Roderick Hudson. He describes the bust’s haunting presence. In a dusky corner of the Villa Ludovisi garden house.
Interestingly enough this sculpture was known to the public as early as 1536. Long before it joined the Ludovisi collection. It was owned by Cardinal Federico Cesi before that. A little-known fact for many.
This bronze cast in Dresden. A reflection of a fascinating history. A story of art. Of power. And of enduring fascination. A captivating story that continues to resonate. A story that touches on Goethe. The powerful women of Rome. And the power of art itself.