Although the portrait was made toward the end of Vespasian’s life (he died in 79), it emanates an appreciable energy and determination. The skull is square, the face fleshy with deep-set wrinkles. The mouth is lipless and in its form, it bespeaks toothlessness. The eyes are small. A disjointed bronze peg set into the crown of the head and a hole in the nape of the neck for a peg indicate that the head has once borne a wreath. The portrait is a replica of the head type, cf. resemblance to Florence, Lucus Feroniae and Rome, Capitoline Museum.
c. 70 A.D.

I. N. 2585
Head. White marble with greyish patina.
H. 0.4 m.
The nose is broken off and is missing. The ears are battered, and the entire surface has been cleaned. The neck has been formed for insertion into a statue.
Acquired in 1911 from Hartwig in Rome and specified as having originated from Naples.

Bibliography:
F. Poulsen 1951, Cat. 659a; V. Poulsen 1974, Cat. 3; Daltrop-Hausmann-Wegner, Die Flavier, 10, 13, 15, 75, pl. 3; G. Paladini, ANRW II 12. 2. (1981) 618, tav. II 8a.b.; Fittschen-Zanker I, 33, ad no. 27 note 3; D. E. E. Kleiner, Roman Sculpture (1992) 173, fig. 139.