Modern Portrait, Vitellius Type, on an Unrelated Modern Bust

This modern portrait, coming from the Giustiniani Collection, represents Emperor Vitellius, who reigned for eight months, from April to December 69 AD. The portrait resembles other pseudo-antique replicas in the exaggerated facial features such as: the brutal expression beneath scowling brows, the swollen surfaces of the face, the balding forehead and the marked wrinkles. The Torlonia replica is amongst the best executed post-Renaissance reproductions. 
The bust, covered by armor and paludamentum was probably created in occasion of its installation in the Lungara Museum.

Inventory: MT 535

Material: White marble

Technique: Work sculpted through the use of: chisels (also square-tipped and toothed) rasps

Dating: Modern age

Origin: Giustiniani Collection