A Set of Five 19th-Century Grand Tour Portrait Medallions of Roman Emperors

Italian or French, c.1850

A compelling and well-preserved set of five classical portrait medallions cast and mounted in their original oval frames. Finely modelled profiles represent five Roman emperors from the Julio-Claudian and Flavian dynasties: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Vitellius. Each is shown crowned with a laurel wreath in the neoclassical style, with high-relief detail.

Retaining original green felt backs and two retain original copperplate inscriptions. Sets like this are increasingly scarce, particularly with emperors such as Vitellius, who ruled for only eight months during the turbulent Year of the Four Emperors (AD 69).

• Augustus (27 BC–AD 14) — First Roman emperor, founder of the Julio-Claudian dynasty
• Tiberius (AD 14–37) — His stepson and successor
• Caligula (AD 37–41) — Infamous for his erratic rule
• Claudius (AD 41–54) — Expanded the Empire to Britain
• Vitellius (AD 69) — Ruled during the chaotic Year of the Four Emperors

Dimensions: 10.5 × 8.5 cm framed
Price: £600 for the set