The ancient Roman bull mosaic in Rome's Palazzo Massimo has been restored. UK classical experts are praising the move. But the real story is what this says about cross-Channel cultural diplomacy.
The mosaic, a vast hunting scene from a 4th-century AD villa, had been crumbling. Italy’s culture ministry quietly funded the restoration. No fanfare. No Berlusconi-era self-congratulation.
Whitehall sources say British museum directors are relieved. They feared the mosaic would be locked away, another victim of Italy's perennial funding crises. Instead, it’s back on public display.
The timing is interesting. With the British Museum facing growing calls to repatriate the Parthenon Marbles, any gesture of cultural cooperation from Rome is a welcome diplomatic win. 'It shows we can work together,' a senior DCMS official told me. 'Our classical heritage is a shared resource.'
The restoration itself used non-invasive laser cleaning. A technical triumph. But the politics? That’s the real masterpiece.
The mosaic will now be a centrepiece of the museum's Roman collection. Expect a quiet surge in school trips. And a few quiet phone calls between Rome and London about future joint exhibitions.
One source close to the Italian culture ministry hinted at 'further announcements' in the coming months. Watch this space.
