Unearthing a Bronze Giant in 19th Century Rome
In August 1864, Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori witnessed an extraordinary event. Architect Luigi Gabet’s workers, excavating the courtyard of Palazzo Pio Righetti, stumbled upon a colossal bronze statue of Hercules. Buried 8-9 meters deep, this magnificent find would soon be christened the Hercules Mastai statue, after Pope Pius IX Mastai.
From Ancient Theater to Hidden Treasure
The statue’s resting place was no accident. It lay near the ruins of the Theater of Pompey, a structure dating back to 55 BC. Found horizontally in a pit covered with inscribed travertine slabs, the statue’s burial echoed ancient Roman practices.
A Window into Roman Mythology and Craftsmanship
The Legend of the Lightning-Struck Hero
Roman folklore suggests the statue was struck by lightning and ritually buried with a sacrificial lamb – a practice known as “fulgur conditum” in ancient Rome.
A Masterpiece of Bronze and Gold
Standing 3.83 meters tall, the statue portrays a youthful Hercules, heavily gilded and holding his legendary symbols: a club and the apples of the Hesperides. Initially thought to be from the 4th century BC, recent studies date it between the late 1st and early 3rd centuries AD.
Preserving a Priceless Artifact
A Statue in Need of Care
Since its placement in the Vatican, the Hercules Mastai statue has faced deterioration. Plaster additions from earlier restorations are degrading, accelerating the oxidation of the underlying bronze.
A Scientific Approach to Restoration
The Vatican Museums have initiated a meticulous restoration process. A comprehensive diagnostic campaign, led by the Scientific Research Laboratory and overseen by the Greek and Roman Antiquities Department, will precede any restoration work.
Safeguarding History for Future Generations
Thanks to the Patrons of the Vatican Museums, who have funded the $113,588 restoration project, this magnificent piece of Roman history will continue to inspire and educate visitors. The Hercules Mastai statue stands not just as a relic of ancient Rome, but as a bridge connecting us to our rich historical past, reminding us of the importance of preserving our shared cultural heritage.
