Sculpture of the Day: Model of the Arch of Titus, 1808-1815

Model of the Arch of Titus
1808-1815
Marble and Gilt Bronze
Giovacchino Belli and Pietro Belli
Italian
Purchased by King George IV
The Royal Collection

A young English nobleman in the early Nineteenth Century, as part of his education, would invariably have travelled to Italy for a look at the art and culture that helped shape the world as we know it. King George IV, though keenly interested in both art and culture, never had the opportunity to do so. It’s a pity, truly, because given his interest in the Italian arts, he’d have had quite a good time for himself.


In order to make up for his lack of travel, George IV collected items which represented the places he could have gone had he not been busy with other things—like being a Prince. Among these items were models of the three Roman triumphal arches which had been excavated at the time. These arches, built by the Emperors Titus, Septimius Severus, and Constantine, were in ruins during the time of George IV. Many models of the arches (mostly in cork) had been produced to show them in their ruined state. However, a set of three models in marble and bronze which showed the arches as they would have been during the times of the Roman Empire were produced by Italian sculptors, Giovacchino and Pietro Belli.

Originally, the set of three arches was offered to King George for the price of 3000 guineas. George wouldn’t pay more than 500 guineas. And, so, a deal was struck. The set moved from Carlton House to Buckingham House, and, later, to Windsor Castle where they remain. This particular model, The Arch of Titus, seemed to be a favorite and was often displayed as a centerpiece.