The Reproductions

Thucydides
Athenian General and author of the History of the Peloponnesian War. From the original Holkham Roman marble bought in Rome by Matthew Brettingham for Thomas Coke as a bust of Metrodus. It was shipped to England on 7th March, 1754 aboard the Anna Maria under Captain Elias Hampton.

Excellent execution, powerful characterisation and splendid condition make this portrait of the greatest of all ancient Greek historians the gem among the many splendours of Holkham.

Specification: Height 80cm Width 48cm


Empress Salonina
Reproduced from the Holkham Roman marble purchased from the Palazzo Barberini in Rome by Matthew Brettingham for Thomas Coke, together with a bust of Aelius Verus, for 100 crowns.

A charming young lady demurely tilts her head to the left, gazing upwards. The whole effect is delightful, and the work has more charm and expression than many portraits of Roman ladies.

Specification: Height 71cm Width 48cm


Homer
From the marble copy of a portrait of the Farnese Homer by Peter von Vershaffelt (1710 – 1793). This Holkham marble was purchased in Rome by Matthew Brettingham for Thomas Coke, on March 11th, 1752 for 74 crowns and 30 pauls.

During his stay in Rome from 1737 to 1751, the Flemish sculptor created this copy of the well known portrait of the "Father of Poetry", which was formerly in the Palazzo Farnese and is now in the Museo Nazionale, Naples.

Specification: Height 75cm Width 35cm


Vestal Virgin
From the Holkham copy of the 18th Century replica of the marble now in the Museo Nazional, Italy. This bust and that of the Empress Faustina were bought as a pair by Matthew Brettingham for Thomas Coke and were sent to Holkham in the early summer of 1754.

The Vestal Virgin was a model of ideal beauty. Appointment as a priestess of the goddess Vesta depended on a young girl’s perfection in form and mind. She also had to be virginal and remain chaste throughout her service to be condemned to death.

Specification: Height 65cm Width 29.5cm


Empress Faustina the Younger
From the Holkham copy of the 18th Century replica of the bust found in the Villa Adriana held in the Museo Capitolino.

Faustina was also a beauty but her profligacy was blatant and infamous. She had many affairs and ancient literature records her numerous offspring.

This bust and that of the Vestal Virgin were bought as a pair by Matthew Brettingham for Thomas Coke and were sent to Holkham in the early summer of 1754.

Specification: Height 66cm Width 38cm