The Lesser-known Truth: Why More Roman Statues Exist Than Greek Ones in Modern Collections

The common belief that fewer surviving ancient Roman sculptures are compared to Greek ones primarily stems from a historical misconception and the vast destruction of Greek marble statues during the Ottoman Empire. However, this article explores why, in fact, it is not an understatement to say that there are more Roman statues in existence today.

Historical Context and the Ottoman Empire

While it is true that much of Greek marble statuary was destroyed under Ottoman rule, the British Lord Gavin, who rescued many of the surviving sculptures, cites the original numbers of statues. The reality is that the number of Roman statues far outweighs that of Greek ones. This fact is often overshadowed by the romanticized idea of the grand Greek civilization.

Skilled Craftsmanship of Greek Statues

It is important to recognize that the Greeks were indeed far more skilled in sculpture, particularly in their ability to create balanced, free-standing figures. This can be easily observed by comparing the statue of David, which features a post supporting the right leg, with ancient Greek free-standing figures like the famous Discobolus. The contrast is stark, highlighting the Roman penchant for stability over natural movement and grace.

The Role of Roman Copies

A significant factor in the perception of fewer Greek statues is the prevalence of Roman copies of ancient Greek sculptures. While many museums display statues attributed to ancient Greeks, these are often not the originals but Roman reproductions. For example, the famous Doryphoros (or Discobolus) by Polykleitos has countless Roman copies, creating a misleading impression of the sheer number of original Greek statues.

The Roman Empire's Sculptural Landscape

The Roman Empire, while extensive, covered vast lands that did not necessarily produce high-quality sculpture. The empire included Western Europe, which, at the time, had limited artistic tradition in marble sculpture. In contrast, the core Greek lands and colonies produced a consistent quality of sculpture, even during periods of territorial expansion.

The Resurgence of Greek Art in Roman Times

It is equally important to note that the concept of a Greek sculpture included not just the Greek city-states but also the vast Greek colonies, which covered large regions. Alexander's conquests expanded the influence and production of Greek art, leading to a period where the territory covered by Greek art may even surpass that of the Roman Empire at its peak.

Conclusion

While it is true that fewer Greek statues survive, this is largely due to historical circumstances and destruction. If we consider the Roman copies of Greek statues as part of the ancient Greek art collection, it becomes evident that the actual number of surviving ancient Greek statues is likely higher than is commonly believed. This reevaluation sheds new light on the true impact of Roman art and its place in the broader narrative of ancient sculpture.

Therefore, it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Greek art and the marvel of Roman craftsmen that we still possess a significant number of surviving Roman sculptures, many of which are copies of lost masterpieces.