Tradition in Late Antique Sculpture: Conservation, Modernization, Production

Abstract

This study examines traditions in late-Antique sculpture, including conservation, modernisation and production. In the Roman world, marble sculpture could be reworked for several reasons. The most common form of reworking, generally easy to recognise, could be termed functional - a portrait could be re-cut to represent another person, or a complete sculpture modified for a new setting. In consequence, much Roman sculpture, including well-known monuments like the Ara Pacis, in fact represent several working phases.