Head of an Emperor Recarved as Vespasian in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Head of an Emperor


Creator: Roman (Artist)

Period: 1st century (Roman)

Medium: Thasian marble (Sculpture)

Accession Number: 23.119

Measurements: 26 x 12 1/4 x 14 7/16 in. (66 x 31.1 x 36.6 cm)

Geographies: Rome, Italy (Place of Origin), Cape Vathy Quarry inThasos, Greece (Source of Materials)

The large eyes and distinctive features suggest that this head represents the Flavian emperor Vespasian (reigned AD 69-79). However, the flatness of the face and hairstyle suggest that this was originally a portrait head of Emperor Nero (reigned AD 54-68) that was re-carved to resemble Vespasian.

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/872/head-of-an-emperor/