Quantifying recarved Roman imperial portraits

From Augustus to Carinus

Bibliographic Data

ID20408248
AuthorsFrancesca Bologna (0009-0009-7739-4777, University of Edinburgh, corresponding author), Raffaella Bucolo (0000-0001-8771-5073, University of Verona, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume38
Issue2
Pages484-516
Publication date2025-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Roman Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1047-7594 • E-ISSN: 2331-5709
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s104775942610066x
OpenAlexW7153870494
LanguageEN
References cited16

This paper investigates the chronological and geographical evolution of the practice of recarving sculpture in the first three centuries CE, assessing the impact it had on ancient viewers, as well as the agency of sculptors and patrons. After considering the reasons for the higher or lower frequency of reworking during specific periods, the paper presents an overview of the geographical distribution of recarved portraits of Roman emperors throughout the Empire, showing that the practice was not connected with the location of main sculptural centers, but rather followed its own logic, connected with local preferences and resources. Lastly, the paper considers how thoroughly imperial portraits were reworked, to investigate the agency and technical choices made by ancient makers

Portrait · Sculpture · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Classical Antiquity Studies · Interdisciplinary Studies: Technology, Society, and Humanities

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access