Vatican Museums

The Pio Clementino Museum, the first public museum in the Vatican, was founded by Clement XIV (1769-1774) and expanded by Pius VI (1775-1799). It houses a unique collection, known as the ‘stone zoo’ due to the subjects depicted in the works on display. The Hall of Animals, a large double hall, contains a large number of ancient sculptures depicting domestic and wild animals, captured in their physicality but also in dynamic attitudes and interactions with each other: works often dating back to Roman era, but extensively remodelled in the 18th century, in particular by Francesco Antonio Franzoni (1734-1818), one of the greatest sculptors/restorers of the time, specialising in the representation of animals.

The volume is divided into two main sections. The first is a brief but comprehensive historical and artistic overview that outlines the importance and nature of the relationship between the Greco-Roman world and animals from different points of view. The second section is a catalogue presenting thirty-four selected works, including sculptures and mosaics. Each piece is accompanied by an explanatory note and large-size photographs showcasing the work in its entirety and in striking detail.