An imposing Roman marble head of Lucius Aelius Caesar

An imposing Roman marble head of Lucius Aelius Caesar, early 2nd Century AD, over life size in veristic style. The portrait features his distinctive is curled hair and beard, his heavily lidded eyes with incised irises and drilled pupils. His image features a characteristic stern look, with his gaze slightly to the right. 13 ½ x 9 ½ x 9 in. (34.3 x 24.2 x 22.8 cm). Light mineral deposits and a very well-preserved Imperial portrait! On heavy square stone base. Ex collection of Joseph S. Melchione; Ex Superior Galleries, Los Angeles, June 2nd 1996, lot 2167; Ex Royal Athena Galleries, Art of the Ancient World, IV, 1985, 261; Ex Christies April 1964 (at the time attributed as a portrait of the emperor Antoninus Pius); Ex Earl of Pembroke Collection, England, (1654-1732).Lucius Aelius Caesar was the adopted son of the great Emperor Hadrian and the supposed heir successor to Hadrian's throne. His unexpected early death kept him from ever becoming Emperor, however his son, Lucius Verus, later co-ruled the Empire with Marcus Aurelius.

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