ITEM NO. 18
Red Egyptian porphyry bust depicting Emperor Septimius Severus
Egyptian Red Porphyry, White Marble and Broccatello Marble
19th century (XIX)
The essence
A refined bust depicting the Roman emperor Septimius Severus, executed during the nineteenth century in the archaeological and Neoclassical taste of the period. The portrait follows the traditional iconography of the emperor, recognisable by his distinctive curly hair and short beard.
The white marble head is combined with a bust carved in Egyptian red porphyry, a material historically associated with Roman imperial authority. The elegant use of polychrome marbles and the strong reference to classical antiquity make the work a significant example of nineteenth- century Neoclassical production inspired by Roman imperial portraiture.
Provenience
- Italian private collection.
Technical specifications
- Period
- 19th century (XIX)
- Dimensions
- H 18 x W 10 cm
- Material
- Head in white marble, Bust in Egyptian Red Porphyry Marble and base in Broccatello marble
