Head of Nerva in the Getty Villa, July 2008

Head of Emperor Nerva
Roman, 96-98 AD
Marble

Inventory # 83.AA.43

This head has features that are typical of images of the Roman emperor Nerva (ruled 96-98 AD): prominent cheekbones, a high forehead, close-set eyes, a hooked nose, and a large Adam's apple. It was recarved from a portrait of Domitian (ruled 81-96 AD), Nerva's immediate and much despised predecessor. Roman artists commonly refashioned portraits of past emperors, especially unpopular, into likenesses of their current rulers.

Text from the Getty Villa museum label.