Hadrian

The first items that you see as you enter the exhibition are the remnants of a huge statue of the Emperor Hadrian, recently excavated in Turkey. You look at the head and think that it does indeed look larger than the usual statues you see. You look at the section of leg, and then you look at the beautifully carved foot. It's at that point that the true scale of the original becomes clear. This statue would have towered above mere mortals and would have been an awe-inspiring sight. Later on in the exhibition, there is an equally enormous sculpted head of Antinous, the Emperor's lover. Expressions of power don't come more blatant. Elsewhere there are beautifully detailed friezes and columns, and pieces of brightly coloured marble floors that enable the viewer to imagine the full glory of the villa at Tivoli, and two bronze peacocks indicating themajesty of Hadrian's tomb. Possibly the most amazing items on display though are the selection of items from the Cave of Letters, the refuge of rebels during the Jewish revolt, including letters, keys, domestic implements and, wonder of wonders, a complete large glass dish looking as lovely as the day it was made. So while sculpture features very prominently as one would expect, there are many other objects to excite the eye and mind.