Four large sculptures from the collection, all Roman-era copies of the Greek originals, are on display in the courtyard (from left): a maenad, a young Hercules, an athlete at rest, and a Demeter. Two herms and a sarcophagus decorate the fountain, while other sculptures adorn the monumental staircase.
Note the protective canopy in the courtyard. A similar canopy inspired by the sail of the Colosseum has been in use since at least the 18th century when the palace was used by the French ambassador. The main purpose is to protect the sculptures and facade from rain rather than to keep the courtyard dry.
Visit the Palazzo Altemps in central Rome to see a small but fantastic collection of top sculptures from antiquity displayed in a historic palace of the National Roman Museum.