What if a simple thrift store purchase turned out to be a priceless artifact from ancient Rome? For Laura Young, this became a reality in 2018 when she stumbled upon a marble bust at a Goodwill store in Austin, Texas. Priced at just $34.99, the sculpture’s true value wasn’t monetary but historical. The bust’s journey from ancient Rome to a Texas thrift store is a tale of history, mystery, and serendipity that has captivated audiences worldwide.
The Goodwill Discovery
Laura Young, an avid antique enthusiast, often scoured thrift stores for unique finds. During one such outing, she noticed a 52-pound marble bust resting among the shelves. Intrigued by its craftsmanship, she purchased it without hesitation, considering it a great deal at $34.99.
What began as a casual purchase quickly turned into an intriguing mystery. Young’s curiosity drove her to investigate the origins of the bust, setting her on a path that would ultimately reveal its ancient Roman ties.
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Tracing the Bust’s Origins
To uncover the artifact’s story, Young reached out to auction houses and art experts. It wasn’t long before Sotheby’s confirmed that the piece was an authentic Roman bust, dating back nearly 2,000 years. Experts identified it as a portrait of Sextus Pompey, the son of Pompey the Great and a prominent Roman military leader.
Further research traced the bust’s history to the Pompejanum, a replica of a Roman house in Aschaffenburg, Germany. Commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria in the 19th century, the Pompejanum housed artifacts inspired by ancient Rome, including the marble bust. Photographs from the 1930s showed the sculpture prominently displayed in the courtyard.
A Wartime Mystery
The bust’s journey took a dramatic turn during World War II. As the war intensified, artifacts from the Pompejanum were moved to storage to protect them from bombings. However, the bust vanished, likely looted during the chaos of war. Experts speculate that an American soldier stationed in Germany may have taken it as a keepsake, eventually bringing it to the United States.
Decades later, the bust found its way to a Goodwill store in Austin, leaving a trail of unanswered questions. How did it travel across the Atlantic? Who donated it to Goodwill? These mysteries remain unsolved, adding to the artifact’s allure.
A Place in History
After verifying its authenticity, Young worked with the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) to display the bust for public viewing. From 2018 to May 2023, the sculpture became a centerpiece at the museum, drawing visitors eager to learn about its storied past.
Lynley McAlpine, a curatorial fellow at SAMA, highlighted the bust’s historical significance. As a depiction of Sextus Pompey, it offered a tangible connection to ancient Rome’s political and military history. Visitors marveled at the craftsmanship and the journey that brought the artifact to Texas.
Returning to Its Homeland
Despite its time in the spotlight at SAMA, the bust’s ownership remained a sensitive issue. Because it was looted during World War II, the artifact was still technically owned by Germany. After its exhibition in Texas, the bust was set to return to the Pompejanum, where it would once again be displayed in its rightful context.
The decision to repatriate the bust reflects growing efforts to address the legacy of looted artifacts. While museums play a crucial role in preserving history, there is an increasing emphasis on returning cultural treasures to their countries of origin.
A Broader Conversation
The story of the Roman bust raises important questions about the ethics of collecting and preserving artifacts. How do looted items resurface in unexpected places like thrift stores? What responsibilities do individuals, museums, and governments have when such discoveries are made?
Young’s find also underscores the enduring relevance of ancient art. A seemingly forgotten artifact from millennia ago sparked global curiosity and served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of history. The bust’s journey from ancient Rome to modern Texas demonstrates the surprising ways in which the past continues to shape the present.
Conclusion
Laura Young’s $34.99 thrift store purchase turned out to be a priceless treasure, connecting the ancient world to contemporary audiences. The Roman bust’s journey from the Pompejanum to a Goodwill store and back to Germany is a tale of resilience and rediscovery. Its story not only captivates the imagination but also highlights the importance of preserving and respecting cultural heritage. As the bust returns to its homeland, it leaves behind a legacy of wonder, proving that history can be found in the most unexpected places.
