Wanted ! Emperor's Head !

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

After a difficult start marked by a long series of civil wars, the Pax Romana was established throughout the Roman Empire. The reign of the Antonines, from the year 849 to 945 of their calendar (Ab Urbe Condita, AUC) is the longest period of peace in all history. Let us make no misunderstanding: it was a robust peace, both administrative and militarized.

Around the year 1000 AUC, the situation had already deteriorated sharply, but the culture of the greatness of the Empire remained strong. The year 1000 was the occasion of huge celebrations during the reign of Philip the Arab. Given the difficulties, patriotism had to be maintained. The bronze portrait of Vespasian that Christie's sells in New York on December 9, Lot 180, dates from about that time. We cannot say during which reign it was created, they were so short!

Vespasian, the tenth of the "Twelve Caesars" ruled 200 years earlier. The bust that glorifies his memory is larger than life, 41 cm. He deserved this tribute due to significant social progress made by his initiative. Roman portraits, as statues but also as coins, were of great realism, and it is the very face of that Emperor that Christie's now offers for our devotion. The head is on, the eyes and mouth are authoritarian. A scientific analysis showed that the wax model was made from an earlier statue.

This lot is estimated 700 K$.

[Margareth Osju]

Like always, very interesting to read your articles.

I don't want to just read without show that I was here, It would be without respect for the writer,
so I want to type those words and wish you a peaceful weekend.
All the best
Margareth

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Another unsold lot ...