Copy of the Electra of the Ludovisi-group

A group larger than life. It is the only known ancient replica of the Ludovisi group which bears the signature of Menelaos a disciple of Stephanos, and is justly considered one of the finest gems of the whole museum. In all probability it is an original work of this Menelaos, who lived in Rome in the first century of the empire, as it is not wanting in that particular feature of his school, which aimed at a more or less correct imitation of ancient styles. In the present group only the figure of Electra is ancient. The head which differs somewhat from that of the Ludovisi group, was found along with the statue, and is probably an ancient restoration. The missing figure of Orestes has been replaced by a plaster cast taken from the original in the Ludovisi, the general proportions of the two figures being strikingly similar. This statue is both rare and remarkable.

Inv. nr. 95. H. 2.10. Excavated in 1864.