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Portrait of Emperor Tiberius

Date ca. 20 A.D.
Object type sculpture
Medium, technique carved, marble
Dimensions

height: 30 cm, width: 23.5 cm, depth: 28 cm

Inventory number 4804
Collection Classical Antiquities
On view Museum of Fine Arts, Basement Floor, Classical Antiquity, The ancient Mediterranean

Tiberius was 56 years old when he succeeded the founder of the dynasty, Augustus, but the portrait shows his face smooth and bony – just as his predecessor was always portrayed young. His features are reminiscent of those of Augustus, even though they were not relatives: this is how the portrait proclaimed Tiberius as the previous emperor’s heir. The draped head indicates that he was presenting an offering to the gods.
Originally the statue probably depicted the emperor Caligula (37–41 AD). After his death, however, his portraits were reused in an attempt to erase the memory of his wicked rule.

Marble analyses have shown that the portrait was made of Parian (Paros-Marathi) marble.

This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.

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