Römisches Reich Marmor MEISTERWERK Porträt von Livia, Ehefrau von Kaiser Augustus. 59 v. Chr. – 29 n. Chr. - 27 cm

Superb Roman marble head of Livia, wife of emperor Augustus. 59 BC – 29 AD from the High Imperial Period (1st - 2nd century AD).
(See AI portrait of Livia as 2nd picture of the lot based on her known marble busts)
Livia Drusilla, the wife of Emperor Augustus, lived a life that intertwined ambition, influence, and enduring political strategy. Born into a prominent Roman family in 58 BCE, Livia's destiny was shaped by the turbulent currents of Roman politics and the ambitions of powerful men around her.

Her marriage to Tiberius Claudius Nero at the age of 15 was an auspicious beginning, as he was a respected politician in his own right. However, fate took a dramatic turn when she caught the eye of Octavian, later known as Emperor Augustus, at a time when he was consolidating power in Rome. To secure a political alliance, Octavian pressured Tiberius to divorce Livia so he could marry her himself, making her his third wife in 38 BCE.

Livia's role as Augustus's wife was not merely ceremonial. She became an invaluable advisor and confidante, known for her intelligence and shrewd political instincts. Augustus valued her counsel highly, and she played a crucial role in managing the complex web of alliances and rivalries that characterized Roman politics at the time.

Beyond her political acumen, Livia was also a dedicated mother. She bore Augustus a son, Tiberius, who would later succeed Augustus as emperor. Livia's influence extended to her son's career, as she actively promoted his interests and helped shape his path to power.

Despite her formidable reputation, Livia's life was not without controversy. Rumors swirled about her involvement in political intrigues and alleged plots against rivals. Historical accounts, often colored by political bias, paint a complex picture of a woman who navigated the treacherous waters of Roman politics with finesse and determination.

Livia's legacy endured long after her death in 29 CE. As the mother of the second Roman emperor and the wife of its first, she set a precedent for the influential roles that imperial women could play behind the scenes. Her image was carefully crafted in art and literature, reflecting the ideal of a politically astute and virtuous Roman matron.
Livia Drusilla's life was a testament to the power and influence that women could wield in ancient Rome, albeit often from behind the scenes. Her marriage to Augustus and her subsequent role as matriarch of the imperial family left an indelible mark on Roman history, shaping the course of the Empire for generations to come.

Acquired from a French private collection, J.D.B, 1970.
The piece includes authenticity certificate.

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