Jewellery, Watches, Antiquities and Objects of Vertu

An early 2nd century Roman silver head of the Emperor Trajan, A.D. 98-117, an extremely rare and attractive silver lid or terminal from a serving vessel which is hollow cast with an open bottom and moulded in the round with draped and laureate bust of Marcus Ulpius Traianus, better known at the Emperor Trajan; the detailed head has the hair styled forward with well defined and delicately moulded locks, with a full fringe giving him a ‘low brow’ look; the laurel wreath is tied at the back with an open bow, which may have served as a hinge; the face is very individual with strong features, with a closed mouth and large eyes looking forward; the drapery around his shoulders displays a series of layered folds with an oval brooch, height 45mm. £2,400-£3,000

From a privately owned European collection, before 1990.

The Emperor Trajan was born at Ithica in Spain, on September 15th AD 53. His father was a commander of the legion X in a war against the Jews, before becoming governor of Syria. At first Trajan became a military tribune, and then a successful commander under the emperor Domitian, until his sucessor, the elderly and unpopular emperor Nerva adopted Trajan as his successor, in AD 97, to enhance his own reputation. Four months later Trajan became Rome’s 13th emperor.
In Trajan’s 19 year reign the Roman empire expanded greatly, with Dacia annexed in AD 106 and commemorated on Trajan’s famous column, which still stands today. This was followed by military conquests in Armenia, Parthia and Arabia. He died in Cilicia on 8th August AD117, where his wife Plotina announced that Hadrian would succeed him as emperor.

From it’s provincial, less refined workmanship, this piece may well originate from Trajan’s Dacian campaign (AD105-106). One hundred and four busts are recorded online, of Trajan, the majority being in public collections and carved in stone.

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