A Roman Marble Portrait Head of the Emperor Domitian
Sale 910 - Antiquities & Ethnographic Art
Nov 18, 2021
10:00AM CT
Live / Chicago
Estimate
$40,000 -
$60,000
Sold for $25,000
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
A Roman Marble Portrait Head of the Emperor Domitian
Flavian Period, Reign of Domitian, 81-96 A.D.
Height 14 inches (35 cm).
Property from a California Private Collection
Provenance:
Private Collection, Europe, 1800s.
J.B. Collection, Switzerland, 1970s.
Sotheby's, London, Antiquities, 2 July 1996, Lot 106.
Royal Athena Galleries, New York (Art of the Ancient World, vol. XIX, no. 25), 2008.
Note:
Born the second son of emperor Vespasian and the last of the Flavian dynasty, Titus Flavius Domitianus (r. 81-96 A.D.) was known for strengthening Rome's economy, terrorizing members of the senate, and completing construction on the Colosseum. For the inauguration of the amphitheater, Domitian and his brother, Titus, held more than a hundred days of games including numerous naumachia (mock naval battles). He also constructed the hypogeum, a vast network of rooms and tunnels with advanced mechanical devices below the floor of the Colosseum. Now, instead of walking into the arena, gladiators and wild animals could emerge from anywhere using elevators and trap doors in the floor. These unprecedented special effects were sensational theatrics designed to awe Rome's audiences.
The large size of this portrait head suggests that it was for public display, perhaps alongside of one of his many other constructions.
Royal Athena Galleries, New York (Art of the Ancient World, vol. XIX, no. 25), 2008.
Note:
Born the second son of emperor Vespasian and the last of the Flavian dynasty, Titus Flavius Domitianus (r. 81-96 A.D.) was known for strengthening Rome's economy, terrorizing members of the senate, and completing construction on the Colosseum. For the inauguration of the amphitheater, Domitian and his brother, Titus, held more than a hundred days of games including numerous naumachia (mock naval battles). He also constructed the hypogeum, a vast network of rooms and tunnels with advanced mechanical devices below the floor of the Colosseum. Now, instead of walking into the arena, gladiators and wild animals could emerge from anywhere using elevators and trap doors in the floor. These unprecedented special effects were sensational theatrics designed to awe Rome's audiences.
The large size of this portrait head suggests that it was for public display, perhaps alongside of one of his many other constructions.
Condition Report
Intact as preserved with possible restoration to the chin. Overall weathered surface with minor losses to eyebrows, nose, back of head, and ears missing. Minor chips and scratches throughout. Light incrustation and uneven surface patination as is typical in some areas. Elements to the face such as eyes and lips well preserved. The break at the neck is uneven and drilled to accommodate the rod for a black modern base, not permanently affixed. Height with base 8 inches. Overall fine stable condition.
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