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Bust of Emperor Caracalla

Artist
Joseph Claus, German, 1718–1788
Depicted
Caracalla, Emperor of Rome, reigned 198–217 CE
Date
1757
Material
Marble
associated with
Rome, Lazio region, Italy, Europe
Classification
Sculpture
Collection
European Art to 1800
Current Location
Not on view
Dimensions
28 3/4 x 20 x 8 in. (73 x 50.8 x 20.3 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
19:2013
NOTES
This bust is modeled after a famous ancient sculpture of Caracalla, a notorious 3rd-century Roman emperor. The stern features and steely gaze embody the cruelty and abuse of power for which Caracalla was known. Creating busts of ancient rulers and dignitaries was popular among 18th-century sculptors working in Rome who made copies for English travelers. Sculpture Hall, in the center of the Saint Louis Art Museum’s main building, was inspired by the expansive Roman public baths that Caracalla built.
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