Bronze portrait head of the emperor Gaius (Caligula)
Gaius, more commonly known by his ancient nickname Caligula (Little Boots), was the first emperor to be assassinated. His uncle and successor, Claudius, had his statues and portraits removed from public view. Many were reworked as portraits of Augustus or of Claudius. It also seems that smaller, personal images of Caligula were deliberately thrown away after his murder; several have been recovered from the River Tiber in Rome.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bronze portrait head of the emperor Gaius (Caligula)
- Period: Early Imperial, Julio-Claudian
- Date: ca. 37–41 CE
- Culture: Roman
- Medium: Bronze
- Dimensions: H. 2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm)
- Classification: Bronzes
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1925
- Object Number: 25.78.35
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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