Portrait Bust of Emperor Domitian

Much hated for his self-aggrandizing and cruel leadership, Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus (51–96 CE, ruled 81–96 CE), was nearly wiped out of art history by his successors in the Roman Senate. So despised was the vain ruler that he was officially damned by the Senate and nearly all public statues and inscriptions bearing his name were destroyed. Few likenesses are known to survive.

Look closely at where the hair’s curls meet the forehead. Can you tell Domitian is wearing a wig? Roman sculptors often took careful pains to create a frank and accurate description of their subjects, not hiding the fact that the powerful man had a recessed jaw and a receding hairline.