30. Nerva as Jupiter

M. Cocceius Nerva, born in 30 A.D. as the son of M. Cocceius Nerva and Sergia Plautilla. He became Roman emperor on September 18, 96 and died on January 25, 98. Originally designated as Tiberius (by Lippold), but declared to be Nerva by F. Poulsen. The latter construed this work to be a Domitian portrait which was later re-cut into a Nerva portrait. A few locks of hair on the right side of the neck are the only parts of Domitian which remain. The re-working extends down to the shoulders. Domitian, before 96; Nerva, 96—98.

I. N. 1454
Statue. White marble with light yellowish-brown patina.
H. 2.00 m.
The statue has been assembled from two pieces. The arms and sections of the drapery have been restored, as have parts of the plinth. The right ear and nose have been broken off and are missing. In its earlier mounting, the statue stood upon a pedestal with a modern inscription in honor of Caius Popilius Sabellus; a forgery made for the purpose of flattering owners from the Orsini-Savello clan.
Acquired in Rome in 1896 at the auction of art works in Palazzo Orsini (Cat. Gall. Sangiorgi, 12—23 March 1896, no. 60) in Nemi.

Bibliography:
F. Poulsen 1951, Cat. 542; Daltrop-Hausmann-Wegner, Die Flavier, 109; V. Poulsen 1974, Cat. 31; M. Bergmann, Gnomon 53 (1981) 391.