ITALIAN, 20TH CENTURY

The grouping together of emperors dates back at least to the time of Suetonius' lives of the Caesars. The number depicted was originally twelve, but smaller combinations are often found, as aritsts modified the theme to suit their own demands. Representations of the series exist in marble, wood, bronze, enamel and other media and have been a popular subject matter for generations of artists. This handsome set therefore has its roots in a rich artistic tradition.