Italian Marble Bust Sculpture of Augustus Caesar

Description This Italian marble bust of Augustus Caesar was carved in the first half of the 19th century, part of a wider revival of classical sculpture sought by European collectors travelling through Italy on the grand tour. Executed in high quality Italian Carrara marble, the bust depicts Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus, 63 BC to AD 14, the first Roman emperor and adopted heir of Julius Caesar. The portrait follows the established conventions of classical Roman imperial sculpture, with naturalistic facial modelling and short, textured hair rendered in restrained detail. The carving extends crisply through the chest and neckline, demonstrating confident handling of the marble. The bust rests on a circular turned socle in contrasting grey marble, set above a stepped plinth base which provides visual weight and formal structure. Sculptures of this type were produced in Italy during the first half of the 19th century for British and European travellers engaged in the Grand Tour. Carved after celebrated antique prototypes, they formed part of a wider movement of Roman revivalism and reflected the period’s interest in archaeological accuracy and classical study. This example sits comfortably within that tradition, combining faithful classical form with the disciplined material quality associated with Italian marble carving of the period. See more from our Sculpture collection. Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Octavius was the heir to Julius Caesar and became emperor in 27BC. Octavian ruled until his death in AD14. He was widely recognised as the architect of the Roman Principate, the initial stage of the Roman Empire, and is renowned as one of the most remarkable leaders in human history. The original marble is in the Vatican collection (Pius Clementinus Museum, Gallery of the Busts) and dates from the first century BC. The bust is finished with extremely high-quality details such as the hair and ears, a true sign of a master sculptor. What is the GRAND TOUR?  The Grand Tour was an extended journey through Europe, especially Italy, undertaken by young aristocrats from the 17th to 19th centuries as an educational rite of passage. Intended to cultivate taste and knowledge through exposure to classical art, architecture, and polite society, the tour played a formative role in shaping the collecting habits of the British elite. Grand Tour travellers often returned with sculptures, paintings, and antiquities, forming the foundation of many private collections in the Georgian and Victorian periods. For further information see our Article The Grand Tour – A Journey of Culture, Art and Collecting. What is a Socle? a plain low block or plinth serving as a support for a column, urn, statue, etc. or as the foundation of a wall. Measurements 52cm High x 24cm Wide x 21.5cm Deep (20.47 x 9.45 x 8.46 Inches) Condition Excellent, general shading and wear consistent with age, no repairs WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production. Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.