ABSTRACT
Pliny recounts assemblages of works of art and natural curiosities, deposited by celebrated personalities of the Roman world in public buildings, mainly but not exclusively temples. The definition of the work of art itself is quite broad, since it includes sculpture in bronze or marble and paintings, and also products of fine craftsmanship, like bowls and cups - what we would call decorative arts. The collections described by Pliny are part of his 'art history' discussion and his presentation of famous artists and personalities of the Greek and Roman worlds.
