10-68Portrait bust of Trajan Decius, 249–251 ce.Marble, full bust
2 7 high. Musei Capitolini, Rome.
This portrait of a short-lived “soldier emperor” depicts an older man
with bags under his eyes and a sad expression. The eyes glance away
nervously, reflecting the anxiety of an insecure ruler.10-69Heroic portrait of Trebonianus Gallus, from Rome, Italy,
251–253 ce.Bronze, 7 11 high. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
In this over-life-size heroically nude statue, Trebonianus Gallus projects
an image of brute force. He has the massive physique of a powerful
wrestler, but his face has a nervous expression.10-70Battle of Romans and
barbarians (Ludovisi Battle
Sarcophagus), from Rome, Italy,
ca. 250–260 ce.Marble, 5high.
Museo Nazionale Romano–Palazzo
Altemps, Rome.
A chaotic scene of battle between
Romans and barbarians decorates
the front of this sarcophagus. The
sculptor piled up the writhing,
emotive figures in an emphatic
rejection of Classical perspective.1 ft.1 ft.
1 in.