Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Genius Wearing a Toga
(Roman Empire )
The statuette represents the "genius," or spirit, of an important official. Such deities were honored in household cults during this period. The figure wears a toga that has been pulled up to cover his head, as worn by priests when taking part in religious sacrifices. The stripe (once inlaid) along the edge of the tunic and the type of shoes indicate that the figure a member of the senatorial class. The facial characteristics resemble the portraits of Emperor Nero (reigned 54-68 CE). Traces of silver inlay remain in the eyes.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Dr. Edgar S. Apolant, Port Washington, NY, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Joseph Brummer, 1943, by purchase [Brummer inv. no. N5487]; Joseph Brummer Sale, New York, Part I, April 20, 1949, lot 141; Walters Art Museum, 1949, by purchase.
Exhibitions
| 1978 | In Search of Ancient Treasure: 40 Years of Collecting. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
Geographies
Roman Empire (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 8 3/8 × W: 4 9/16 × D: 3 1/8 in. (21.3 × 11.6 × 8 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, 1949
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
54.2329