The National Constitution Center will host the world debut of Ancient Rome & America – a multi-million dollar, artifact-rich exhibition showcasing the cultural, political, and social connections between the lost world of ancient Rome and modern America – from February 19 through August 1, 2010.
The National Constitution Center has worked for three years to develop the exhibition, which features a unique and unprecedented collection of rare artifacts and artwork, in partnership with Contemporanea Progetti of Florence, Italy, in collaboration with the Ministero per i Beni e Le Attività Culturali, Rome, Italy.
Rome, like the United States, overcame a monarchy to become a republic. Long after the fall of ancient Rome, its heroes and legends have continued to influence future generations. From the battlefields of the revolution to the chambers of Congress, Rome became a part of America’s foundation. Through marble sculptures, paintings, jewelry, coins, and ceramics, Ancient Rome & America draws striking comparisons between Roman and American culture, from theories of government to slavery and civil war, to continental expansion and worldwide influence.
Press Kit
Visit the Ancient Rome & America website at
www.constitutioncenter.org/rome
Press Images for Download
The eagle is a classic symbol shared by ancient Rome and America. The American eagle on display in the exhibition is carved from gilt wood. It was made in 1804 by Samuel McIntire, an important early American architect.
Courtesy Lynn Museum and Historical Society
Click here to download a hi-res jpg
Head of an eagle from a Roman military standard.
Courtesy of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Florence
Click here
to download a hi-res jpg
Bust of Benjamin Franklin portrayed in a toga.
c. 1817
Courtesy The American Antiquarian Society
Click here
to download a hi-res jpg
Bust of George Washington portrayed with a Roman drape over his clothing.
c.1817
Courtesy American Revolution Center
Click here
to download a hi-res jpg
Statue of Bacchus.
c.150-200 CE
Courtesy of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Florence
Click here
to download a hi-res jpg
Ceremonial military helmet in the shape of Dionysus.
50-100 CE
Courtesy of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Florence
Click here to download a hi-res jpg
Portrait of Emperor Augustus
27 BCE - 14 CE .
Courtesy of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Florence
Click here to download a hi-res jpg
This 1773 portrait is from the year of Sarah Middleton's marriage to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a future signer of the Constitution. In her flowing, antique-style dress, posed like the classical prophetess Sibyl, Sarah is portrayed as the very ideal of the ancient Roman matron.
© Image Gibbes Museum of Art/ Carolina Art Association
Please contact Ashley Berke at 215.409.6693 for a hi-res copy of this image.
Football helmet worn by Harold Carmichael.
Courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia, PA
Click here to download a hi-res jpg
Gladiator helmet.
Courtesy of the Museo della Civilità Romana, Rome
Click here to download a hi-res jpg