Millennials

2,000 years ago, at the Getty Villa

By Mark Smith

January 16^th, 2023

The Getty Villa Museum

Overlooking the ocean in Pacific Palisades is the Getty Villa Museum, the somewhat overshadowed cousin of the world-famous Getty Center Art Museum located just off the 405.

The villa is a 1970's recreation of a Roman country home called the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy, which was buried by the massive eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and then rediscovered in the 1750s.

Everything about the museum and grounds is exceptionally well done, built as if money were no object - which was the case, as it was financed by oil magnate J. Paul Getty, once the world's richest man.

Faces from the Roman Empire

Some of the museum's most remarkable artworks are the faces - crafted with stone, metal, and inks. Most likely these are based on real people who lived within the vast Roman Empire some 2,000 years ago. Give or take 500.

An ancient, everyday world

There's also a tremendous collection of fine objects, from wine vessels and candle holders to small statuettes, beautifully crafted and some so delicate it seems a miracle they're still in one piece. It's not hard to imagine these very personal objects in the dining area or main living space of a country home, being used or enjoyed as works of art by everyday people.

Not a great look.

Inside and out, the Getty Villa is so exceptional that I discovered just one flaw: I'm sure they could find a more appropriate set of eyeballs for this poor guy standing out by the ornamental pool.

He looks like he's just seen Caesar's Ghost. Or maybe he's anxious about being shoved into the deep end - especially since his arms are in storage.

But that's just a minor oversight. The Getty Villa is a remarkable trip back in time, and one of Southern California's real gems.

Speaking of time: I'm embarrassed to say that this visit was my first, after living in the area for over 35 years. Better late than never. And I've got plenty of time to go back.