Portrait of the Emperor Nero as a Youth at The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

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Portraits of Roman Julio-Claudian imperial dynasty representatives share many commonalities, for all had to display a likeness to the founder Octavian Augustus in official capacities. This likeness went beyond facial features, as tradition dictated that ruling family images be noble, restrained and calm. Executed in this exact style is this magnificent head of a young man, brought from Greek islands by Admiral G.A. Spiridov in 1774. The Greek artist gives the relief hair somewhat brief treatment, modeling the face surface finely and softly. Deep-set eyes, childishly round cheeks and projecting chin are distinct features of the young man's appearance. By comparing this portrait with images of Nero on coins, scholars suggest that the Hermitage bust depicts Nero at the beginning of his rule (54 AD). Through Agrippina the Younger, Augustus's great-granddaughter, Nero was the last direct heir to the founder of the dynasty. Suetonius records that Nero's father Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus was "a man most vile in every aspect of life"; upon learning of his son's birth, he exclaimed that from himself and Agrippina nothing but horror and sorrow for humanity could be born. Adopted by his stepfather, Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD), at 17 years old Nero became the ruler of Rome. This bust dates back to the time when Nero announced he would "rule along the lines of Augustus" and had not yet begun displaying his despotic character.