Crispina 18 Report post Posted February 10, 2008 This topic has surely been discussed before, but being a lazy newbie, I didn't search the archives. Why do we not see more painted portraits and murals of emperors and important officials? Because they are fragile they just didn't survive that long or were statues considered more "proper", ect? I've seen photos of grave masks and pics of graffitti. And were documents ever illustrated? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
M. Porcius Cato 2 Report post Posted February 10, 2008 Paintings of emperors (such as that of Septimius Severus below) weren't unknown, but they don't survive very well over time under normal conditions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
caldrail 152 Report post Posted February 10, 2008 Although in this case the damaged face belongs to Geta, whose memory was erased in true roman fashion by his brother once he became top dog. This painting was vandalised soon after its creation and has actually withstood the ravages of time very well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DecimusCaesar 1 Report post Posted February 10, 2008 It was originally believed that the portrait ( seen in my avatar) was originally that of Valentinian III, his sister Honoria and their mother Galla Placidia. Now archaeologists believe that it is just a portrait of an ordinary wealthy family, dating back to the third century BC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crispina 18 Report post Posted February 10, 2008 It was originally believed that the portrait ( seen in my avatar) was originally that of Valentinian III, his sister Honoria and their mother Galla Placidia. Now archaeologists believe that it is just a portrait of an ordinary wealthy family, dating back to the third century BC. I have never seen pictures like these. Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crispina 18 Report post Posted February 10, 2008 It was originally believed that the portrait ( seen in my avatar) was originally that of Valentinian III, his sister Honoria and their mother Galla Placidia. Now archaeologists believe that it is just a portrait of an ordinary wealthy family, dating back to the third century BC. I have never seen pictures like these. Thanks for sharing. What is written on the portrait? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crispina 18 Report post Posted February 10, 2008 Paintings of emperors (such as that of Septimius Severus below) weren't unknown, but they don't survive very well over time under normal conditions. What is Septimius and the lady wearing on their heads? Crowns or hats? I don't believe I've ever seen a Roman (or sculpture) with a hat. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Traianus 0 Report post Posted February 10, 2008 It was originally believed that the portrait ( seen in my avatar) was originally that of Valentinian III, his sister Honoria and their mother Galla Placidia. Now archaeologists believe that it is just a portrait of an ordinary wealthy family, dating back to the third century BC. I have never seen pictures like these. Thanks for sharing. What is written on the portrait? I can only read "kerami" by deduction I think it refers to pottery( ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DecimusCaesar 1 Report post Posted February 11, 2008 It was originally believed that the portrait ( seen in my avatar) was originally that of Valentinian III, his sister Honoria and their mother Galla Placidia. Now archaeologists believe that it is just a portrait of an ordinary wealthy family, dating back to the third century BC. I have never seen pictures like these. Thanks for sharing. What is written on the portrait? I can only read "kerami" by deduction I think it refers to pottery( ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maladict 0 Report post Posted February 11, 2008 Here's a start. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DecimusCaesar 1 Report post Posted February 12, 2008 Here's a start. From the Article: Jas Elsner briefly discusses the object in the introduction to Imperial Rome and Christian Triumph: The Art of the Roman Empire AD 100-450 (Oxford, 1998). In his caption, he writes (p. 22), Share this post Link to post Share on other sites