A Roman imperial marble sculpture from the Magnum Opus collection at Sotheby's, and the head is missing by design. It was made separately, for a very specific reason. The sculpture was meant to remain in its temple context long beyond the reign of one ruler. When a new emperor ascended, the head would be swapped out. What remains still speaks. One plate is different from the rest: the head of a bearded barbarian, signifying that the conquering presence of a newly established empire is omnipotent. How does one convey power? How do you legitimize a new imperial structure? This is Rome becoming Rome in a sculpture. The work is one of more than 900 in Magnum Opus: A Private Collection of Exceptional Art and Objects Through the Ages, assembled over decades by a single collector. It ranges from Old Master paintings and Islamic court carpets to royal French furniture and Impressionist masterworks. The collection will be on view across four floors of the Breuer from October 17 to 22. It wil...