Lot Essay
These busts epitomise the collecting tastes of the English cognoscenti on the Grand Tour. Very often antique prototypes were consciously interspersed with Renaissance and contemporary bustos by avid collectors such as visible in the Stone Hall of Houghton Hall.
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC), Consul 63 BC, was one of the greatest Roman orators as well as an articulate politician. A novus homo, he advanced politically by means of successful political trials, such as that of Verres in 70 BC. He followed a moderate political line, attaching himself to his hero Pompey. In 63 BC he was elected Consul, but his career was short. He was ousted through the Triumvirates and became an early and prominent victim of their proscriptions.
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (d. 12 BC) was one of the most important supporters of Augustus. He was a Lieutant for Augustus among others in the Dalmation war and the battle of Actium. His humble birth prevented him from obtaining a position as princeps, but he had a vast influence and power.
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC), Consul 63 BC, was one of the greatest Roman orators as well as an articulate politician. A novus homo, he advanced politically by means of successful political trials, such as that of Verres in 70 BC. He followed a moderate political line, attaching himself to his hero Pompey. In 63 BC he was elected Consul, but his career was short. He was ousted through the Triumvirates and became an early and prominent victim of their proscriptions.
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (d. 12 BC) was one of the most important supporters of Augustus. He was a Lieutant for Augustus among others in the Dalmation war and the battle of Actium. His humble birth prevented him from obtaining a position as princeps, but he had a vast influence and power.