Lot 157
157
A ROMAN GIALLO ANTICO HEAD OF A BOY
OTHER PROPERTIES
A ROMAN GIALLO ANTICO HEAD OF A BOY

CIRCA LATE 1ST CENTURY B.C.-EARLY 1ST CENTURY A.D.

Details
A ROMAN GIALLO ANTICO HEAD OF A BOY
circa late 1st century b.c.-early 1st century a.d.
Probably depicting Gaius Caesar, with typically "Augustan" features such as the somewhat pointed chin and broad cranium, with rounded lips, lidded almond-shaped eyes beneath ridged brows, and a coiffure of short, wavy locks, the parted comma-shaped locks on the forehead recalling the "Primaporta" portrait type of the emperor
2 1/8in. (5.4cm.) high

Lot Essay

Gaius (born 20 B.C., died 4 A.D.) and his younger brother Lucius were the sons of Augustus' daughter Julia and Marcus Agrippa. Both were adopted by the emperor following the birth of Lucius in 17 B.C., with Gaius the heir apparant. While suppresing the Armenian revolt in 2 A.D., Gaius was wounded during the siege of Artagira. He died 18 months later.

For a similar portrait of Gaius as a boy, compare the example from the Museo Oliveriano, no. 51 in Kleiner, Roman Sculpture.