Caligula (Caius Caesar Augustus Germanicus)
Artist
Roman
Date37–40 CE
Mediummarble
Dimensions48.8 x 26.5 x 29.5 cm (19 3/16 x 10 7/16 x 11 5/8 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1914.23
DescriptionSaid to be from villa near Marino Lake Albano.Label TextHe was very tall and extremely pale, with an unshapely body, but very thin neck and legs. His eyes and temples were hollow, his forehead broad and grim, his hair thin and entirely gone on the top of his head, though his body was hairy. Because of this to look upon him from a higher place as he passed by, or for any reason whatever to mention a goat, was treated as a capital offense. Suetonius, Life of Caligula, 50. Gaius Julius Germanicus Caesar was nicknamed Caligula (“baby boots”) as a child growing up in a Roman military camp. He was the third Julio-Claudian emperor (ruled A.D. 37-41). Caligula was one of the most despised Roman emperors; he was assassinated at age 29. This over life-size head was made to fit into a monumental statue of the Emperor standing and wearing a toga. ProvenanceMuseum purchase from Alfredo Barsanti, Rome, Italy
On View
On view
