Portrait of the Emperor Tiberius at The State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

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Tiberius (42 BC - 37 AD), son of Livia, wife of Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus by her first marriage, rose to power in 14 AD. As his heir, he heavily relied on the Praetorian Guard to strengthen his personal influence and initiated repressions against the nobility. Despite this, the Roman historian Tacitus noted that remnants of freedom still lingered during his reign. Tiberius spent his final years on Capri Island but could not escape spiritual torments and sufferings. A stark contrast exists between Tacitus's tragic portrayal and the official statues erected in his honor. The Hermitage portrait head of Tiberius, meant for a large statue in ancient Athens, showcases the Greek master's skillful work on marble surfaces. By generalizing forms and idealizing the image in the spirit of Augustan Classicism, the Emperor is depicted as a young man with features obligatory to resemble those of Augustus. However, he also exhibits striking similarities to Livia, including his beaked nose and sharp chin outline. Tiberius's long hair on the back of his head, even covering his neck, likely a family trait, adds a personal touch to this portrait. Monumental statues like these, blending portraiture with generalizing features, served as visible representations of Rome's power, symbolized by the reigning head of state.