Judgement Scene
Ca. 1500. Alabaster.Not on display
These reliefs (E948 and E949) epitomise the delicate illustrations of events from classical antiquity often used to decorate the camerini of Italian Renaissance palaces. Directly based on a drawing by Pollaiuolo (British Museum, 1893,0529.1), they reveal his interest in studying the male nude in motion. The scenes may illustrate an episode from Roman history, datable to the 4th century BC, in which – according to Livy’s account – Titus Manlius Torquatus had his own son executed for disobeying orders, this harsh punishment being intended to set an example.
