Ludovisi Pluto Statue: Roman God of Underworld with Cerberus

The Ludovisi Pluto bust, a masterpiece of Roman art dating back to the 2nd century CE, is housed in the Palazzo Altemps in Rome. This bust, which intricately captures the majestic and enigmatic figure of Pluto, has recently been integrated into an impressive statue reconstructed by our talented sculptor at Hephaisteion, specializing in restoring classical works to their fullest glory.

The reconstructed statue combines the Ludovisi Pluto bust with a previously incomplete body, portraying Pluto in a majestic and authoritative stance. In his left hand, the sculptor has restored Pluto’s bident, symbolizing his absolute power over the underworld. Resting alertly at his lower right side is Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the gates of the realm of the dead. Cerberus is meticulously sculpted, with each head displaying a fierce expression, vigilantly protecting the entrance to the underworld.

Pluto’s body is draped in a toga that elegantly falls over one shoulder, accentuating his divine status. The fusion of the original 2nd-century CE bust with the reconstructed body and Cerberus adds a new dimension to this piece, highlighting Pluto’s role as the sovereign of the underworld and guardian of souls.

This statue not only revives the grandeur of classical art but also pays tribute to the skill of the Hephaisteion sculptor, who has successfully merged history and modernity into a singular, powerful work of art.

Description of the Ludovisi Pluto Bust and Statue Reconstructed by Hephaisteion
The Ludovisi Pluto bust, a masterpiece of Roman art dating back to the 2nd century CE, is housed in the Palazzo Altemps in Rome. This bust, which intricately captures the majestic and enigmatic figure of Pluto, has recently been integrated into an impressive statue reconstructed by our talented sculptor at Hephaisteion, specializing in restoring classical works to their fullest glory. Pluto depicted with a stern expression, he symbolized power over the underground world, death, and wealth, which is why the Romans called him “Dis o Diti,” comes from the Latin root meaning “rich” or “wealth as he was also the lord of the riches hidden within the earth
The reconstructed statue combines the Ludovisi Pluto bust with a previously incomplete body, portraying Pluto in a majestic and authoritative stance. In his left hand, the sculptor has restored Pluto’s bident, symbolizing his absolute power over the underworld. Resting alertly at his lower right side is Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the gates of the realm of the dead. Cerberus is meticulously sculpted, with each head displaying a fierce expression, vigilantly protecting the entrance to the underworld.
Pluto’s body is draped in a toga that elegantly falls over one shoulder, accentuating his divine status. The fusion of the original 2nd-century CE bust with the reconstructed body and Cerberus adds a new dimension to this piece, highlighting Pluto’s role as the sovereign of the underworld and guardian of souls.