AFTER THE ANTIQUE, ITALIAN, SECOND HALF 16TH CENTURY

These impressive marble heads would originally have been set into marble or bronze shoulders and almost certainly formed part of a larger series of busts of emperors. They depict Augustus, the first Roman to hold the title of emperor, and one of the most famous men from classical antiquity, as well as Caracalla, who reigned two centuries later. Caracalla's distinctive features ensured that he was often included in these decorative series although his achievements as emperor hardly justify this distinction. Although popular with the roman army, he was noted for his cruelty, which extended to the murder of his own brother.