Bust of Lucius Verus at The Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris

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This colossal head of Lucius Verus, co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius from AD 161-169, stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Rome. The monumentality of his effigy exemplifies the transition from the refined works of the Antonian period to the more opulent baroque style, serving to glorify the ruler after his demise. Lucius' features are unmistakably familiar from numerous other portraits - notably his luxuriant hair and beard, portrayed here with deeply sculpted curls that seem to dance across his face. This colossal head, mounted on a modern bust, is one of the finest existing portraits of Lucius Verus, who ruled alongside Marcus Aurelius until his untimely death from the plague in 169 AD. This portrait was part of a pair, with a similarly-sized bust of Marcus Aurelius, who reigned from AD 161-180. Both originated from a villa belonging to Lucius Verus in Acqua Traversa, near Rome. The magnified representation suggests that it was a posthumous work, likely commissioned by Lucilla, the wife of Lucius Verus and daughter of Marcus Aurelius. The piece was probably created sometime between the death of Marcus Aurelius in AD 180 and that of Lucilla in AD 183. This portrait is exceptional both for its size and state of preservation. It also embodies one of the most striking expressions of the baroque style, which emerged in the Roman Empire during the late second century, representing a complete break from classical tradition. The exaggerated volumes of the hair and beard, deeply sculpted by the artist, contrast with the smoothness of his face. These skillful effects were taken to extremes during the reign of Commodus (AD 180-192) before the Severan dynasty ushered in a return to more restrained styles. (source: K. de Kersauson, Catalogue des portraits romains, II, Paris, 1996, n 122, p. 272. Louvre) This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access at no cost. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items nearby and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate. Scanned: Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan)