Neptune from Lyon Arrives in Rome: A Major Roman Gaul Bronze at the Barracco Museum
Rome, February 6, 2026 – The Giovanni Barracco Museum of Ancient Sculpture is currently hosting a monumental bronze statue of Neptune from ancient Lugdunum, now Lyon, France. This marks the first time the significant artifact, a loan from the Lugdunum-Musée et Théâtres romains, has been exhibited in Rome. The exhibition runs from February 6 to June 7, 2026, and is part of an international exchange agreement between the two institutions.
Discovered in 1859 in the Rhône River, the statue is the largest bronze representation of Neptune found in France and is considered one of the most important surviving examples of bronze statuary of deities from Roman Gaul. Dating to the 3rd century AD, the sculpture was crafted by a local workshop and depicts the god of the sea and water as he emerges from the waves. His identification is evident from the arrangement of his hair, which mimics the effect of being wet.
Greek Iconography and Monumental Placement
The iconography of the statue references Greek models, particularly the figure of Poseidon. Experts hypothesize that the statue originally held a trident, the deity’s primary attribute, in its left hand, and possibly a dolphin in its right. The monumental location of the artwork was likely a temple in Lugdunum, which was the capital of the Roman province of Gallia Lugdunensis and a crucial political and administrative center within Gaul.
International Exchange and Museum Renovation
The arrival of Neptune at the Barracco Museum is a result of an exchange agreement for ancient artworks between the Roman institution and the Lugdunum-Musée et Théâtres romains. This initiative was promoted by Roma Capitale, the Department of Culture and Coordination of Initiatives related to Remembrance Day, and the Capitoline Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with Métropole Grand Lyon. The agreement was finalized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lyon museum. Concurrently, several masterpieces from the Barracco Museum are on display in Lyon as part of the exhibition ‘C’est canon. L’art chez les Romains,’ which is currently ongoing.
This Neptune exhibition is part of an ongoing renovation process at the Giovanni Barracco Museum of Ancient Sculpture. Recent adaptations have been made to both the exhibition areas and public services. The ground floor hall has been reconfigured into a dedicated space for high-profile temporary exhibitions, and a new reception area has been designed to improve visitor flow management. The museum has also been equipped with new didactic panels and internal and external signage to make the exhibition route clearer and more accessible.
Context of Roman Gaul and Local Craftsmanship
The bronze statue offers valuable insights into the artistic and religious practices of Roman Gaul. Lugdunum, as a significant Roman city, would have been a hub for such artistic endeavors, and the local workshop responsible for this Neptune demonstrates the sophisticated craftsmanship present in the region during the 3rd century AD. The depiction of Neptune, a prominent deity in the Roman pantheon, highlights the integration of Roman religious beliefs within the provincial context of Gaul.
The exchange program not only allows for the display of significant artifacts but also fosters cultural collaboration between Italy and France, enriching the understanding of shared Roman heritage. The Barracco Museum’s efforts to modernize its facilities further enhance the visitor experience, making these ancient treasures more accessible and engaging for a contemporary audience.
The exhibition provides a unique opportunity for visitors to Rome to witness a rare and impressive example of Roman bronze sculpture from a distant province, offering a tangible connection to the vastness and cultural diversity of the Roman Empire.
Source: finestresullarte.info
