Uffizi: Roman Portraiture – XXIV
Lucius Aelius or Aelius Verus (101 – 138 AD).
He was adoptive son and designated successor of the emperor Hadrian; he died before Hadrian, and thus never became emperor. He was father of the emperor Lucius Vero. This sculpture is one of the few surviving portraits of Lucius Aelius, and one of the few traditional identifications accepted today. Its quality is outstanding both for the intense expression and the strong characterization of the portrayed character. The portrait is a masterpiece of Roman portraiture of the early Antonine period. The bust supporting the head is modern.
Source: Guido A. Mansuelli, “Galleria degli Uffizi – Le Sculture”, Vol II, inset # 103.
Greek marble sculpture
H. 68.5 cm; height of the antique head 33.5 cm.
Third decade of the 2nd century AD.
Florence, Galleria degli Uffizi, Inv. N. 154
Uffizi: Roman Portraiture – XXIV
Lucius Aelius or Aelius Verus (101 – 138 AD).
He was adoptive son and designated successor of the emperor Hadrian; he died before Hadrian, and thus never became emperor. He was father of the emperor Lucius Vero. This sculpture is one of the few surviving portraits of Lucius Aelius, and one of the few traditional identifications accepted today. Its quality is outstanding both for the intense expression and the strong characterization of the portrayed character. The portrait is a masterpiece of Roman portraiture of the early Antonine period. The bust supporting the head is modern.
Source: Guido A. Mansuelli, “Galleria degli Uffizi – Le Sculture”, Vol II, inset # 103.
Greek marble sculpture
H. 68.5 cm; height of the antique head 33.5 cm.
Third decade of the 2nd century AD.
Florence, Galleria degli Uffizi, Inv. N. 154