Kolekcja | 09.09.2015 This sculpted image of a prince of the Julio-Claudian dynasty (very likely to be Nero) is quite remarkable given the damnatio memoriae sentence passed by the Roman Senate after Nero's death, consigning his memory to oblivion. The sentence entailed the destruction of the dead Emperor's portraits. The relatively few portraits that survive are a textbook example of ruler's studied self-presentation, and the proverbial verisimilitude (generally believed to be especially characteristic of Nero's statues) seems to be more of a conventional effect.
Nero's adoption by Claudius in 50 CE gave rise to a puerile portrait type of the Emperor (the first of five types). The bust has all the characteristic features known from coins minted in 51-54 CE - prominent cheekbones, strong jaw, round head with disordered hair falling over the forehead and growing on the nape of the neck. The slightly knitted brows gives the face an intent and serious look contrasting with the delicate boylike features to suggest the temperament of a boy cut out for positions of power.
Dominika Walawender-Musz