Hera Ludovisi
Maker
Fonderia Chiurazzi
(Italian, founded 1870)
Dateearly 20th century
MediumBronze
DimensionsOverall (Head, not including lower pedestal): 60 × 30 × 30 1/2 in. (152.4 × 76.2 × 77.5 cm)
Support: 79 × 29 × 29 in. (200.7 × 73.7 × 73.7 cm)
Overall (Head and lower pedestal): 139 in. (353.1 cm)
Support: 79 × 29 × 29 in. (200.7 × 73.7 × 73.7 cm)
Overall (Head and lower pedestal): 139 in. (353.1 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN5071
For centuries in the collection of the distinguished Ludovisi family of Renaissance Rome, this colossal marble head was long believed to show the goddess Hera (Juno to the Romans) and was admired for its ideal beauty, particularly by German travelers of the 18th century. Since the late 19th century however, scholars have argued that the statue head is more likely a Roman portrait, perhaps of Antonia Minor (36 BC-37 AD; mother of Emperor Claudius), represented as a goddess.
On View
On viewLocation
- Museum of Art, Courtyard, East Loggia
