Portrait of a Man in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Portrait of a Man


Creator: Roman (Artist)

Period: 230-240 (late Imperial (Roman))

Medium: marble (Sculpture)

Accession Number: 23.186

Measurements: 28 9/16 x 21 1/4 x 11 7/8 in. (72.6 x 53.9 x 30.2 cm)

Geographies: Rome, Italy (Place of Origin)

This bust was probably carved several decades after the reign of Emperor Caracalla (reigned AD 211-17) and bears many similarities to that emperor's portrait type, which had an enormous influence on the private portraiture of the following generation. Caracalla's later portraits have animated expressions, and the head is often turned to his right, giving the impression of movement. This example imitates the emperor's image but has the individual's own distinct features. (The nose and ears are restored.)

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/40679/portrait-of-a-man/