Roman Empire

White figures stand out against the dark blue body of the Portland Vase. The relief was carved through layers of glass, giving a vessel the appearance of a carefully cut image. It is one close focus within a room spanning the Roman world. Sculpture, jewellery, silver, ceramics and glass came from across an empire connecting many regions. The gallery follows Rome from its legendary beginnings to the early fourth century AD. Different materials and local forms widen the story beyond the city itself. The Warren Cup is another of the room’s highlights. Precious vessels had practical forms as well as decorated surfaces, with handles, rims and bodies that shaped their use. Compare a finely worked vessel with sculpture intended for a different scale of viewing. Roman makers could use several materials to give familiar subjects a new surface.