The Brindisi Bronzes: Classical Castoffs Reclaimed from the Sea
Photographs and text by O. Louis Mazzatenta
Tiny shells spangle the profile of a young Roman woman of the second century A.D. She may be Faustina, wife of the emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, according to Angela Marinazzo, director of the Provincial Archaeological Museum in Brindisi. "She is my favorite," says Marinazzo. "We had been working late washing the pieces as they were coming in. Someone said all we’re missing is a young girl. The next day Faustina showed up."
Brought up from the sea, the sculptures span the period from the fourth century B.C. to the third century A.D. Archaeologists believe that a Roman ship was carrying the bronzes into Brindisi for reuse and recycling after collecting them from public areas in the eastern provinces. The fragile Brindisi bronzes are a windfall for archaeologists and art historians alike, giving a wonderful sense of the statues from classical times.
NGM 1995/04