A Roman marble portrait of Julia Mamaea

myminifactory

Julia Mamaea (180-235 AD) was one of the most powerful women in the Severan dynasty. As mother to Emperor Severus Alexander, she demonstrated effective and admired regency during her son's minority, continuing to exert significant influence throughout his reign. Sources detailing Julia's life and her son's rule are scarce due to both the damnatio memoriae enacted upon them by their successor Maximinus Thrax and the subsequent political chaos that followed their deaths, known as the Crisis of the Third Century. Despite limited information, Julia is acknowledged for providing a welcome change from her sister, Julia Soaemias, and nephew, Elagabalus, whose purported decadence was widely unpopular. She appointed highly-regarded lawyer Ulpian to lead the Praetorian Guard, inviting distinguished senators' advice to strengthen the imperial throne by surrounding it with leading men of the day. Showing respect for traditional Roman gods, she moved away from Eastern tendencies and ensured Rome's army loyalty through generous distributions. Through her political acumen, Alexander's reign remained relatively stable, contrasting sharply with the turmoil that followed. Julia's exceptional capabilities could not shield her from the brutal fate that often befell imperial households. After a lackluster campaign against Persia in 232 AD, mother and son traveled north to repel a German attack. Severus Alexander's inability to win over Rhine legions led to serious dissent, with troops proclaiming Maximinus emperor in 235 AD. Soldiers were dispatched to kill the deposed emperor, and sources claim he was found clinging to his mother Julia in a tent; both were brutally murdered, marking the end of the Severan dynasty and the Roman Empire's collapse. This rare survival is exceptional given the damnatio memoriae that led to the destruction of portraits and inscriptions commemorating Julia Mamaea. Her likeness is vividly rendered with characteristic coiffure and averted gaze ensuring easy identification. For comparison, see British Museum accession number 1873,0820.733, and Hall of Emperors in Palazzo Nuevo, Capitoline Museums inventory number MC457. The present lot is part of the Christie's Antiquities Sale on July 5th, 2017 at King Street, London. Lot 137 A Roman Marble Portrait of Julia Mamaea. Estimated £50,000-£80,000. Sold for £47,500.