ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Five Roman sculptures from BNL collection on loan to Palazzo Altemps

exhibition · 2026-05-04

Beginning on July 11, five sculptures from the Roman era, part of BNL's collection, will be showcased at Palazzo Altemps in Rome for a duration of five years, thanks to a partnership with Museo Nazionale Romano. The featured pieces consist of Lucilla (2nd century AD), a Pugilist (1st century AD), Meleager (late 1st-early 2nd century AD), a bust of Aphrodite Pudica (1st century AD), and a torso of Discophoros (late 1st century BC-early 1st century AD). This loan is intended to promote the sharing and preservation of these artworks. Additionally, they appear in Luigi Spina's photographic series "L'imperfezione della bellezza." The exhibition's launch aligns with the "Estate al Museo" initiative, which provides extended hours and events across the museum's three locations. BNL's collection comprises approximately 5,000 artworks.

Key facts

  • Five Roman sculptures from BNL collection on loan to Palazzo Altemps for five years starting July 11.
  • Sculptures: Lucilla (2nd c. AD), Pugilist (1st c. AD, Roman copy of Greek original, found 1739, restored 1770-1775), Meleager (late 1st-early 2nd c. AD, after Skopas), Aphrodite Pudica bust (1st c. AD, modern restoration), Discophoros torso (late 1st c. BC-early 1st c. AD, after Polykleitos).
  • Collaboration between BNL Gruppo BNP Paribas and Museo Nazionale Romano.
  • Photographic series 'L'imperfezione della bellezza' by Luigi Spina accompanies the exhibition.
  • Series first shown at MIA Photo Fair, where BNL is main sponsor.
  • Daniela Porro (Museo Nazionale Romano director) and Anna Boccaccio (BNL Institutional Relations director) commented.
  • Opening day coincides with special evening opening of Museo Nazionale Romano (Estate al Museo) with extended hours until 10:30 PM.
  • BNL art collection includes about 5,000 works from 1930s to present, with modern, contemporary, and photographic art.

Entities

Artists

  • Luigi Spina
  • Skopas
  • Polykleitos

Institutions

  • Palazzo Altemps
  • BNL Gruppo BNP Paribas
  • Museo Nazionale Romano
  • MIA Photo Fair
  • BNL

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Palazzo Altemps
  • Palazzo Massimo
  • Terme di Diocleziano

Sources