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Classical Antiquities :
Classical Bronzes : Bronze Head of Emperor Antoninus Pius with Inlaid Silver Eyes
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Bronze Head of Emperor Antoninus Pius with Inlaid Silver Eyes - AM.0360
Origin: Mediterranean
Circa: 2
nd
Century AD
Dimensions:
3" (7.6cm) high
x 2.25" (5.7cm) wide
Collection: Classical
Medium: Bronze, Silver
£9,600.00
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
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Antoninus Pius was the successor of the Emperor
Hadrian and reigned between 138-161 A.D. The
epithet ‘Pius’ was apparently conferred on him
after he persuaded the Senate to deify Hadrian,
his adoptive father. During the period of his rule
the Empire was unusually peaceful and he won
great popularity by remaining in Rome rather
than constantly touring the provinces as his
predecessors had done. He completed many of
the building projects initiated by Hadrian,
including the latter’s mausoleum, but was
generally cautious when spending public funds.
His adoptive son and successor Marcus Aurelius
gave high praise for his style of rule in the
‘Meditations’: ‘Do all things as a disciple of
Antoninus. Think of his constancy in every act
rationally undertaken, his invaluable equability,
his piety, his serenity of countenance, his
sweetness of disposition, his contempt for the
bubble of fame and his zeal for getting a true
grasp of affairs.’
This bronze head is a fragment of a larger work
and depicts Antoninus as a mature bearded man.
The eyes have been inlaid with silver suggesting
that this was a prestigious commission. The
strands of hair have been carefully delineated on
both the front and the reverse. The expression is
one of serious contemplation which accords with
the character of Antoninus as indicated by the
historical records. Bronze portraits are extremely
rare as the metal was often melted down and
reused. This is a remarkable survival which
should interest all those fascinated by the history
of the Empire. (AM)
- (AM.0360)
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