Advanced Search 
Cuirassed torso, possibly of Domitian
Roman
Imperial Period
A.D. 81–96
Place of Manufacture: Italy, Lazio (probably)
Medium/Technique
Marble, from Mt. Pentelikon near Athens
Dimensions
Overall: 111.8 x 63.5 x 47 cm, 357.43 kg (44 x 25 x 18 1/2 in., 788 lb.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number99.346
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
The Romans inherited the designs for most of their armor from the Greeks. While the armor worn by soldiers in the field was generally plain, that donned by high-ranking officers for triumphal parades and other military ceremonies tended to be more elaborate. On coins and monuments, Roman emperors are frequently shown dressed in highly ornate military costumes, addressing their troops before battle or leading the charge.
A portrait head of an emperor was probably once joined to this marble torso, which is clad in a cuirass richly decorated in relief-a customary format for imperial statues set up in Rome and elsewhere. In addition to anatomical details and floral motifs, the breastplate features two figural compositions: on the belly, a pair of winged Victories flanking the Palladium, a deliberately old-fashioned image of Minerva (Athena); and above, a head of Medusa, the protective device featured on Minerva's own aegis, her snake-fringed breastplate. The prominence of Minerva may indicate that the statue was made for a monument to Emperor Domitian (ruled A.D. 81-96), who adopted the goddess as his patron deity.
The military aspect of the emperor's persona grew increasingly central in the third century, as the Roman Empire struggled with a spate of foreign attacks and internal unrest. Many emperors of this period, including Probus (ruled A.D. 276-282), were raised to the throne by the army. On this gold coin, as on a large portion of the issues struck during his reign, Probus appears dressed in armor, with his hair and beard cut short in the manner of a soldier. His stern figure, holding an eagle-tipped scepter in his right hand, was meant to impart a reassuring impression of strength, stability, and confidence at a turbulent time in Roman history.
A portrait head of an emperor was probably once joined to this marble torso, which is clad in a cuirass richly decorated in relief-a customary format for imperial statues set up in Rome and elsewhere. In addition to anatomical details and floral motifs, the breastplate features two figural compositions: on the belly, a pair of winged Victories flanking the Palladium, a deliberately old-fashioned image of Minerva (Athena); and above, a head of Medusa, the protective device featured on Minerva's own aegis, her snake-fringed breastplate. The prominence of Minerva may indicate that the statue was made for a monument to Emperor Domitian (ruled A.D. 81-96), who adopted the goddess as his patron deity.
The military aspect of the emperor's persona grew increasingly central in the third century, as the Roman Empire struggled with a spate of foreign attacks and internal unrest. Many emperors of this period, including Probus (ruled A.D. 276-282), were raised to the throne by the army. On this gold coin, as on a large portion of the issues struck during his reign, Probus appears dressed in armor, with his hair and beard cut short in the manner of a soldier. His stern figure, holding an eagle-tipped scepter in his right hand, was meant to impart a reassuring impression of strength, stability, and confidence at a turbulent time in Roman history.
Catalogue Raisonné
Highlights: Classical Art (MFA), p. 078-079; Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 347; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 115 (additional published references).
DescriptionCuirassed torso of a once full-length statue with the neck carved out for the insertion of a separate portrait head. The short sleeves of the tunic worn underneath the cuirass are visible at the shoulders and a paludamentum (military cloak) is draped over the left shoulder. The cuirass is of the so-called Classical type, differentiated from the so-called Hellenistic type by the double row of tongue-shaped lappets (pteryges) hinged on the lower edge of the breastplate and draped over the leather straps of the skirt, as well as anatomical details on the breastplate such as the carved pectorals and abdominal muscles. Two leather shoulder flaps are secured to the cuirass with bows. The cuirass is decorated with a Gorgon head near the neckline and a figural composition including two winged Victories flanking an archaizing cult statue of Minerva on the central portion of the breastplate. The decoration suggests that the torso might have been used for a statue of the emperor Domitian, who had chosen Minerva as his patron goddess. At the lower edge of the breastplate, there is a foliate element from which two tendrils spiral outward and upward, framing the figural scene. The lappets are decorated with heads of lions and Grogon heads, as well as foliate decoration, such as palmettes and rosettes. The statue is carved in the round, although the back is much flatter.
As evidenced by the positioning of the leather straps of the skirt, the complete statue once stood with its weight on the left leg and the right advanced. The right arm was once raised, either in a gesture of address (adlocutio) or holding a spear or scepter-staff. The left arm was lowered and may have held a parazonium (a long dagger) or short sword. The lower surfaces of the straps have been damaged and partly reworked. The head, neck, and right arm were made separately. The left arm is missing from just below the shoulder, along with most of the mantle. On the backside of the statue, just below the neck, there is a large, rectangular hole. The edges of several of the lappets and their relief decoration has been damaged. A number of the skirt straps are broken. The face of Minerva is worn away.
Scientific Analysis:
University of South Florida Lab No. 8425: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.0 / delta18O -5.2,
Attribution - Mt. Pentelikon. Justification - C and O isotopes, fine grain, parallel flaws (foliation)
As evidenced by the positioning of the leather straps of the skirt, the complete statue once stood with its weight on the left leg and the right advanced. The right arm was once raised, either in a gesture of address (adlocutio) or holding a spear or scepter-staff. The left arm was lowered and may have held a parazonium (a long dagger) or short sword. The lower surfaces of the straps have been damaged and partly reworked. The head, neck, and right arm were made separately. The left arm is missing from just below the shoulder, along with most of the mantle. On the backside of the statue, just below the neck, there is a large, rectangular hole. The edges of several of the lappets and their relief decoration has been damaged. A number of the skirt straps are broken. The face of Minerva is worn away.
Scientific Analysis:
University of South Florida Lab No. 8425: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.0 / delta18O -5.2,
Attribution - Mt. Pentelikon. Justification - C and O isotopes, fine grain, parallel flaws (foliation)
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in Florence of Bardini who said however he had it from Tavazzi in Rome.); 1899: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 32,500.00 (this is the total price for MFA 99.338-99.542)