Bronze portrait of a man
Unknown Artist
1st half of 1st century CE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 12 3/8 in. (31.4 cm)
Classification
Bronzes
Culture & Period
Roman · Early Imperial, Julio-Claudian
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1914
Accession Number
14.130.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
This striking bronze portrait of a man crafted in the first half of the 1st century CE during Rome's Early Imperial Julio-Claudian period, captures the essence of Roman portraiture at its peak. Dating to era of emperors like Augustus and Tiberius, it reflects the cultural emphasis on individualized likenesses, often used to honor elites, ancestors, or public figures in homes, temples, or forums. Measuring 12⅜ inches (31.4 cm) high, its intimate scale suggests it was designed for private devotion or display, embodying the Roman value of *verism*—a hyper-realistic style rooted in Republican trad...