The Head of a Roman Patrician from Otricoli

 

The Head of a Roman Patrician from Otricoli, created around 75–50 BCE, is a marble portrait approximately 14 inches tall. The artist’s name is not known, but the piece was made in Italy during the Roman Republican period, in the Verist style. The sculpture is now housed in the Museo Torlonia in Rome.  It is like the Togatus Barberini in that there is no evidence of polychromy on this piece and it is highly detailed, showing every fold, crease, and imperfection in the subject’s face such as deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging. Perhaps this was sculpted from life.  These features are rendered with a level of precision that suggests a close observation of the subject’s face. The style is both realistic and slightly stylized, as certain features—like the exaggerated wrinkles—serve to emphasize age and experience. The anatomy is accurate overall, but the emphasis on aging features makes the portrayal symbolic of the subject’s wisdom and moral authority.

The Head of a Roman Patrician is a strong example of verism, a style that reflects the cultural values of the Roman Republic. The realistic depiction of age was a deliberate choice to symbolize virtues like gravitas (seriousness) and auctoritas (authority), which were admired in Roman leaders. The sculpture does not include any additional symbols or iconography beyond the realistic rendering of the face, but its stark naturalism aligns with Republican ideals of humility and service to the state. Unlike more idealized portraits, this work presents the subject not as they might have wished to be remembered in a flattering way, but as they were, emphasizing their physical and moral character.

The exact discovery details of this sculpture are not recorded, though it was likely found in or near Otricoli, a site known for yielding Roman artifacts. It is in good condition, with no major restorations noted. The original patron of the work is unknown, but it was likely commissioned by the patrician or their family, as such sculptures often served as commemorative pieces displayed in public or private spaces. The piece’s provenance appears straightforward, and it remains in Italy, preserved in the Museo Torlonia, reflecting its historical significance as an artifact of the Roman Republican period.

Study with me here.