Images

A model of the Borobudur Buddhist temple in Java, Indonesia. The temple was built in the 8th century CE. (Vatican Museums, Rome)

Moai tangata, Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Wood, bone, and obsidian. Collected in 1892 CE. Height: 46 cm. (Vatican Museums, Rome)

An Ua staff from Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Wood, bone, and obsidian. 1.49 m x 6.4 cm. Collected in the 18th century CE. (Vatican Museums, Rome)

Moai Kavakava, Rapa Nui (Easter Island). Wood, bone, and obsidian. 42.5 cm high. Collected in the 18th century CE. (Vatican Musems, Rome)

A marble bust of Roman consul and Praetorian prefect Gaius Fulvius Plautianus (d. 205 CE) who served under Septimius Severus. (Vatican Museums, Rome)

A colossal statue of a Genius, the Roman instance of a divine nature. The likeness of the face to Augustus and size of the sculpture suggest it may represent the Genius Augusti. The figure holds a cornucopia and is making a sacrifice. (Vatican...

A marble statue of Ceres, the Roman agricultural goddess (or possibly also Juno). From Rome, 2nd century CE. (Vatican Museums, Rome)

A colossal statue of the Roman goddess Juno Sospita (the Saviour). She wears a goatskin over her head and torso. Probably from a temple in the Forum Olitorium, Rome. 2nd century CE. (Vatican Museums, Rome)

A colossal marble statue of Roman emperor Claudius in the guise of Jupiter. From a theatre at Lanuvio, 1st century CE. (Vatican Museums, Rome)

A bust of Antinous, favourite of emperor Hadrian. From Hadrian's Villa, Rome, sculpted between 130 and 138 CE. (Vatican Museums, Rome)