Ancient marble pediment restored and unveiled in Rome under LoveItaly initiative

Rome – An exceptional marble pediment discovered during recent excavations at the Villa di Sette Bassi in Rome has been restored and unveiled to the public as part of Arte Fuori dal Museo, a new initiative aimed at bringing important archaeological treasures beyond the confines of traditional museums.

The architectural element, known as the Frontone del Tritone (Pediment of the Triton), was unearthed on Sept. 20, 2024, during archaeological excavations at the Villa di Sette Bassi, one of the largest and most imposing suburban villas of ancient Rome, located within the Appia Antica Archaeological Park.

Archaeologists recovered the marble structure almost entirely intact from the basin of a monumental nymphaeum, an ornate fountain complex that once adorned one of the villa's grand reception spaces. Experts believe the pediment originally formed part of a pair, with a second, now lost counterpart positioned symmetrically on the opposite side of the fountain.

The remarkably well-preserved artefact is the only surviving decorative element of its kind from the villa, much of whose original splendour was stripped away by centuries of looting and spoliation.

Dating to the mid-second century AD, the marble pediment features an elaborate high relief sculpture depicting a triton the mythological sea deity, half man and half fish restraining a hippocamp, a mythical sea horse, amid swirling waves. The scene is framed by a richly decorated cornice adorned with finely carved lanceolate leaves, egg and dart motifs and palmettes.

Archaeologists have highlighted the exceptional quality of the craftsmanship, noting that traces of the original tools used by ancient artisans remain visible on the marble surface, offering a rare glimpse into Roman sculptural techniques and testifying to the high level of artistic expertise employed in decorating elite residences during the imperial period.

The Villa di Sette Bassi, attributed to a member of Rome's senatorial aristocracy between the second and third centuries AD, was later rebuilt on a monumental scale during the fourth century. Today, it stands as one of the most significant archaeological complexes along the ancient Appian Way.

The restoration of the pediment was undertaken as part of Arte Fuori dal Museo, an initiative promoted by LoveItaly, the non profit organisation dedicated to preserving and enhancing Italy's cultural heritage. Founded in 2014, LoveItaly was established in collaboration with LVenture Group, now Zest Group, with the aim of supporting restoration projects throughout the country and engaging both Italian and international audiences in safeguarding the nation's artistic legacy.

Working closely with the Ministry of Culture, local and national heritage authorities, museums, universities, ecclesiastical institutions and international academic bodies, LoveItaly coordinates fundraising efforts while bringing together conservation experts, donors and cultural stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of restoration projects. 

The Arte Fuori dal Museo initiative seeks to create new ways for the public to engage with Italy's cultural heritage by temporarily exhibiting restored works in accessible and highly visible locations. By placing archaeological treasures in venues frequented by both residents and international visitors, the project aims to broaden public awareness of conservation efforts and encourage greater participation in the protection and preservation of Italy's vast artistic and archaeological patrimony.

Following the restoration, the Frontone del Tritone will remain on display at the Sina Bernini Bristol Hotel until May 2027, before returning to a new exhibition area currently being developed at the Villa di Sette Bassi archaeological site on Via Tuscolana.

The initiative was promoted by LoveItaly and Federalberghi Lazio under an agreement with the General Directorate of Museums of the Ministry of Culture, with financial support provided by Fondazione Roma and Sina Bernini Bristol.

PS