Vespasiano, AD 069 - 079
Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus;
Vicus Phalacrinae (Cittareale [AQ] - I), AD 17 XI 9 – Roma, AD 23 VI 79
Head from a marble statue of Vespasian
Portrait of the emperor: a soldier and a wit.
This naturalistic portrait of the emperor Vespasian (reigned AD 69-79) clearly shows the lined complexion of this battle-hardened emperor, and also the curious 'strained expression' which the Roman writer Suetonius said he had at all times. The loss of the nose is characteristic of the damage often suffered by ancient statues, either through deliberate mutilation or through falling or being toppled from their base.
Vespasian was born in the Roman town of Reate (Rieti), about forty miles (sixty-five kilometres) north-west of Rome in the Sabine Hills. Vespasian distinguished himself in military campaigns in Britain and later became a trusted aide of the emperor Nero. Together with one of his sons, Titus, Vespasian conquered Judaea in AD 75 and celebrated with a magnificent triumphal procession through Rome. Part of the event, in particular the displaying of the seven-branched candlestick or 'Menorah' from the Temple at Jerusalem, is shown on the Arch of Titus, in Rome. The proceeds from the conquest of Judaea provided funds for the building of the Colosseum and other famous buildings in Rome.
(from The British Museum WEB Site)
Roman, AD 70-80
From Carthage, northern Africa (modern Tunisia)
London, The British Museum
Vespasiano, AD 069 - 079
Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus;
Vicus Phalacrinae (Cittareale [AQ] - I), AD 17 XI 9 – Roma, AD 23 VI 79
Head from a marble statue of Vespasian
Portrait of the emperor: a soldier and a wit.
This naturalistic portrait of the emperor Vespasian (reigned AD 69-79) clearly shows the lined complexion of this battle-hardened emperor, and also the curious 'strained expression' which the Roman writer Suetonius said he had at all times. The loss of the nose is characteristic of the damage often suffered by ancient statues, either through deliberate mutilation or through falling or being toppled from their base.
Vespasian was born in the Roman town of Reate (Rieti), about forty miles (sixty-five kilometres) north-west of Rome in the Sabine Hills. Vespasian distinguished himself in military campaigns in Britain and later became a trusted aide of the emperor Nero. Together with one of his sons, Titus, Vespasian conquered Judaea in AD 75 and celebrated with a magnificent triumphal procession through Rome. Part of the event, in particular the displaying of the seven-branched candlestick or 'Menorah' from the Temple at Jerusalem, is shown on the Arch of Titus, in Rome. The proceeds from the conquest of Judaea provided funds for the building of the Colosseum and other famous buildings in Rome.
(from The British Museum WEB Site)
Roman, AD 70-80
From Carthage, northern Africa (modern Tunisia)
London, The British Museum