Head of Emperor Augustus at The Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris

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In 30 B.C., Octavianus, a descendant of Gaius Julius Caesar, became the ruler of Rome's vast empire, which had grown over three centuries. For forty-four years, he established institutions and an ideology that blended Republican Rome's traditions with the realities of kingship. In 27 B.C., the Senate bestowed upon Octavian the prestigious title of Augustus, a name conveying dignity and stateliness, and around this time, a formal imperial portrait was created to embody the qualities Augustus wanted to project. Hundreds of versions of this iconic portrait were disseminated throughout the empire during his reign and afterwards on coins, gems, busts, monumental reliefs, and statues. This particular over-lifesize head at the Louvre in Paris may have originated from a statue of the emperor created during Tiberius's reign (1994.230.7). This type of imperial image introduced a new concept in ruler portraiture - distinct features such as the broad forehead with a unique arrangement of locks, a wreath, and prominent ears are visible, yet the overall effect is one of elevated dignity reminiscent of Greek Classical statues from the fifth century B.C. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative launched by MyMiniFactory to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe for public access free. Scan The World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items nearby and want to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help.