Thorsten Opper is conservator bij de afdeling Griekse en Romeinse Oudheden van het British Museum. Zijn publicaties behandelen antieke beeldhouwkunst en de achttiende-eeuwse antiquaar. Deze focus suggereert een diepe betrokkenheid bij de materiële cultuur van de oudheid en de geschiedenis van de receptie ervan. Oppers werk onderzoekt waarschijnlijk hoe oude objecten werden begrepen, verzameld en geïnterpreteerd in verschillende historische perioden, en legt zo een verband tussen archeologisch onderzoek en de geschiedenis van het verzamelen.
Takes a fresh look at the life of Nero (r. AD 54-68), providing insight into the inner conflicts of a Roman society in transition and challenging preconceptions of a figure dismissed by a hostile source-tradition as tyrannical, deluded and ineffectual.
Hadrian, exclusive exhibition catalogueHadrian (r. AD 117-138) is known for his restless and ambitious nature, his interest in architecture and his passion for Greece and Greek culture. This book and exhibition move beyond this image to give a new appraisal of this Emperor,Individual chapters of the book look at Hadrian the man as an individual; Hadrian the military leader and strategist; Hadrian the amateur architect who created magnificent buildings such as his villa at Tivoli; Hadrian the lover who deified his male favourite Antinous after his mysterious death in the Nile; and Hadrian the traveller who tirelessly roamed his empire and its boundaries. The book concludes with the legacy of Hadrian, including a discussion of the genesis of MargueriteYourcenar's famous Memoirs of Hadrian, about to be turned into a major Hollywood film.This important book is richly illustrated throughout with key works of art -both celebrated and less well-known sculptures, bronzes, coins and medals, drawings and watercolours