Bust of Woman Possibly Octavia Minor in the Getty Villa, July 2008

Bust of a Woman, Possibly Octavia Minor

Unknown
Roman, 20 - 10 B.C.
Marble
21 1/4 x 12 x 8 1/16 in.
72.AA.106

The size and high quality of this portrait bust suggest that it portrays a member of the Roman imperial family. Scholars have had difficulty in identifying the woman because the portrait is carved in a classicizing style that subsumes the features of the individual. All female portraits of the imperial family were carved in this style, and all the portraits look very much alike. The political message of unity conveyed by these nearly identical, idealized portraits was considered more important than the individual appearance of the women.

Still, there are signs of aging in this portrait--hints of a sagging jawline, a double chin, and baggy eyes. Based on these features, this portrait likely represents Octavia Minor, the sister of Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Born about 69 B.C., Octavia played a role in the volatile politics of the last years of the Roman Republic. In 40 B.C., she was married to Mark Antony in a political match designed to strengthen the bonds between Antony and her brother. This alliance and the marriage did not last, but Octavia remained a beloved member of Augustus's imperial court until her death in 11 B.C. This portrait type may have been created to commemorate her death.

Text from: www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=8047