Metadata
Title
Octavius (Augustus)
Description
White marble portrait bust, head of a youth, on a black base: probably a nineteenth century copy of the head of Octavian (Augustus) from the Vatican galleries. Augustus Caesar (63BC-14AD), adopted by his great uncle Julius Caesar as son and heir, became the first Roman emperor in 27 BC.
Note: From the time he was born in 63 BCE until 44 BCE, he is generally referred to by historians as Octavius. After 44 BCE, when he became the adopted son and heir of his recently-assassinated great-uncle Julius Caesar, he is known as Octavian. Beginning in 26 BCE, he is known as Augustus, the name conferred upon him by the Roman Senate. (See also 1966.01.01.)
Note: From the time he was born in 63 BCE until 44 BCE, he is generally referred to by historians as Octavius. After 44 BCE, when he became the adopted son and heir of his recently-assassinated great-uncle Julius Caesar, he is known as Octavian. Beginning in 26 BCE, he is known as Augustus, the name conferred upon him by the Roman Senate. (See also 1966.01.01.)
Extent
22.0" H
Medium
Marble
Provenance
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Peyton R. Biddle
Collection
General Collection, Museum Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
Identifier
1972.03.01
Rights
http://www.philaathenaeum.org/rights.html