Pair Of Small Busts Depicting Roman Emperors. 17th Century. Bronze, On S

A pair of small bronze busts, cast using the lost-wax method, featuring a dark natural patina with subtle reddish highlights. They rest on molded octagonal green marble bases.

These two small sculptures in the round, depicting the likenesses of Roman emperors, are rendered with a particularly striking expressive naturalism. Note the meticulous rendering of the features on these middle-aged male faces, as well as the dynamic drapery of the tunics, held at the shoulder by a fibula.

Given their small size and the quality of their craftsmanship, these works belong to the tradition of “cabinet bronzes”—precious objects intended to adorn the private cabinets and galleries of the nobility, where subjects inspired by Antiquity held a privileged place.

Excellent condition. Beautiful, rich, and uniform patina, showing slight wear on the most prominent areas due to handling in the past.