Nero [?]

These fragments of an equestrian statue probably represent Nero. The execution tinged with a certain pathos reflects a sensibility that was different to that of the classical-style portraits of the Julio-Claudian family. It also reveals the origins of the work, which was found in Asia Minor, as well as the absolutist tendencies of the reign of Nero, who craved an imperial role like that of the Hellenistic monarchs.

The identity of the figure represented in this work has been disputed. The particular arrangement of the slightly parted bangs favors the hypothesis that it is a prince of the Julio-Claudian family. There is general agreement on the name of Nero, by comparison with coin portraits, though on the coins he does not wear this hair style. Further comparison with other portraits would enable this probable identity to be confirmed; but, after the "damnatio memoriae" established by Roman Senate, only a few remnants remain of the images of this emperor - some portraits of him as a child, and statues saved from destruction by their geographical distance (perhaps the case of these fragments found in Turkey).

 

Source: Louvre WEB Site

 

Roman marble portrait

About 50-70 AD

From Cilicia, Turkey

Paris, Musée du Louvre

 

Done