Bust of Boy Named Martial in the Getty Villa, July 2008

Bust of Boy Named Martial
Roman, AD 98-117
Marble

Inventory # 85.AA.352

The inscription on this bust reads, "Dearest Martial, a slave child, who lived two years, ten months, and eight days." Martial's owner must have been fond of him, since he commissioned this portrait at some expense. The hairstyle resembles that of Emperor Trajan (ruled AD 98-117), providing the date for this portrait.

Text from the Getty Villa museum label.