24 July - 26 October 2008
The power of image
For many years Hadrian was perceived as a peace-loving admirer of Greek culture and customs, a philhellene.
But the one statue on which this long-standing perception was based is not all that it should be.
Curator Thorsten Opper and conservator Tracey Sweek investigate.
(4 minutes 10 seconds)
An emperor's love
(3 minutes 2
seconds)
The power of image
(4 minutes 10 seconds)
The imperial palace
(2 minutes 25 seconds)
Building the wall
(3 minutes 14 seconds)
Hadrian: a new emperor
(3
minutes 3 seconds)
Photos in right hand column: Neil MacGregor and bust of Hadrian / Hadrian’s Wall (Photo: Roger Clegg. © Roger Clegg, 2008) / The Maritime Theatre at Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli near Rome / Statue of Hadrian in Greek dress being conserved / The Pantheon in Rome / Bust of Antinous