A ROMAN CHALCEDONY PORTRAIT BUST OF THE EMPEROR TRAJAN

CIRCA 98-117 A.D.

Details

A ROMAN CHALCEDONY PORTRAIT BUST OF THE EMPEROR TRAJAN
Circa 98-117 A.D.
Depicted with his hair characteristically brushed forward, the oval face with realistic features, including his projecting pointed chin, long curving nose, deep naso-labial folds, and thickly lidded eyes, the hairs of his eyebrows indicated along his heavy brow, the emperor wearing a cuirass with an aegis centered by a gorgoneion; on a custom designed ormolu and marble base, circa late 18th century, with swags of laurel leaves on each side, a ribbon-tied laurel leaf at the base
2 1/16 in. (5.2 cm.) high

Provenance

with Fauchereau (a family friend of the current owner's grandmother), Auxerre, France, 1962.

Lot Essay

The depiction of the emperor in his military uniform particularly emphasizes his role as Imperator (see p. 112 in Varner, ed., From Caligula to Constantine, Tyranny and Transformation in Roman Portraiture.). Trajan was known for personally commanding his army from the frontlines. His military successes increased the expanse of the Roman Empire, especially along the Danube with his Dacian conquests. A small-scale portrait, such as this example, would likely have been displayed to declare the owner's support of the emperor and his military campaigns (op. cit., idem).

For small-scale portraits of the emperor in stone see pls. 39-41 in Megow, Kameen von Augustus Bis Alexander Severus.

More from Antiquities

View All