Detail of a Head of a Priest of the Imperial Cult in the Princeton University Art Museum, August 2009

Head of a Priest of the Imperial Cult
Roman, Probably Late Hadrianic, second quarter of the 2nd century AD
Marble with blue veining

# Y1990-3

The distinctive crown, with reliefs of four busts set within an arcade, identifies this man as a priest of the imperial cult. The busts, which are only summarily carved, wear military cloaks and presumably represent the reigning emperor, his designated successor, and two of his imperial predecessors. Judging by its style, the head probably dates from late in the reign of Hadrian (AD 117-138). The flaring plinth above and behind the head indicates that the intact figure served in an architectural capacity, most likely as a votive column or as a figural pillar in an ornamental facade.

Text from the Princeton University Art Museum label.