About this artwork
This head, which depicts a man crowned with a wreath, might be a portrait of an emperor. His facial features, including almond-shaped eyes, tight-lipped mouth, faint mustache, and neck whiskers, as well as his triangular head, which tapers toward the chin, suggest his possible identification as Gallienus (r. A.D. 253–68). This type of wreath, which is composed of grape vines and ivy, was worn by Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and theater. Emperors frequently associated themselves with gods by adopting their attributes, or symbols, as numerous emperors portrayed themselves in the guise of Jupiter (the Greek Zeus), the supreme god of the pantheon.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean and Byzantium
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Culture
- Ancient Roman
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Title
- Portrait Head of a Man
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Place
- Italy (Object made in)
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Date
- 230 CE–270 CE
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Medium
- Marble
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Dimensions
- 38.1 × 26.7 × 24.1 cm (15 × 10 1/2 × 9 1/2 in.)
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Credit Line
- Katherine K. Adler Memorial Fund
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Reference Number
- 1975.328
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/48931/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
