Emperor Caracalla at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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Caracalla took on the official name of M. Aurelius Antoninus Pius as part of the Severan dynasty's bid to present themselves as rightful and worthy successors to the second-century Antonine emperors. He deliberately shed the lavish hair and beard of his predecessors in his official portraits, opting instead for a military style characterized by tightly cropped curls and a stubble beard. An ancient record states that on his deathbed, his father Septimius Severus urged Caracalla to "enrich the soldiers and disdain everyone else." This finely crafted head is a striking representation of the official portrait and was likely created at an imperial workshop, as the statue fragments were discovered in Rome. The legs of the statue also survive and are on display in the Study Collection on the Mezzanine Floor of the Metropolitan Museum. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative launched by MyMiniFactory that aims to create 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.