Copper Alloy Bust – Statement of Significance

This object was purchased in 2017 from a workshop in Rome, Italy (Fig. 1). Its significance to the owner is based on its ability to conjure comparative links with historical artefacts as well as to provide a tangible reminder of trips to Rome. Its primarily ornamental function changed as a result of the pandemic when it was chosen as a coursework case study.

 

Figure 1 Copper alloy bust.

 

It has been identified as a bust of Julius Caesar based on its inscription and close resemblance to the ‘Chiaramonti Caesar’ of 30-20 BC (Figs. 2 and 3). 

 

Figure 2 A close-up image of the inscription reading ‘G. CESARE’, the Italian name of Caesar, accompanied by a sketch to make the inscription clearer.

 

Figure 3 The ‘Chiaramonti Caesar’ held in the Vatican Museum, dated to c. 30-20 BC. The features and expression are typical of depictions of Caesar and other Roman figures.

 

Its design incorporates generally recognisable elements of Roman portraits such as verism and the togate form (Fig. 4). The artificial patina, which has resulted in suspected bronze disease, was probably applied to create an ‘ancient’ appearance in reference to the greenish patina typical of bronze archaeological artefacts such as the Meroë Head of Augustus to make it more marketable to tourists (Fig. 5). 

 

Figure 4 Close-up detail of the face showing the mixture of deep and shallow detailing to achieve a veristic effect. The clasped toga represents the 'togate' form.

 

Figure 5 The ‘Meroë Head’, the head of a bronze statue of Augustus dating to c. 30 BC.

Similar objects are widely available for sale across Rome however the district where this object was purchased has seen a 44% drop in tourist income and the abundant supply of similar objects available for online purchase may be diverting income that otherwise might have contributed to local trade.

 

Caesar’s image has been appropriated in multiple ways to support problematic agendas, most notoriously by early 20^th Century European nationalist governments and most recently by white supremacist groups. This should not be overlooked when assessing this object’s significance as another manifestation of the enduring Western fascination with Roman antiquity.

 

This object will provide a future educational opportunity for MSc students who will use it to develop their skills in bronze disease identification, treatment and stakeholder liaison. This will also help ensure its survival as a remnant of the pre-pandemic tourist trade.