Copy of The Medallion of Julius Caesar

Provenance: The marble was purchased in London by Matthew Brettingham on March 7th, 1755 from the auction of the collection of Dr. Richard Mead, for £24.03.

Within a simple moulded frame the dictator is represented in profile to the right. He is wreathed in laurel, tied at the back with the long ends of the fillet fluttering down behind. Caesar's physiognomic hallmarks are instantly recognisable and include a prominent Adam's apple and aquiline, pointed nose; the short clipped hair is combed into gentle waves and the high forehead shows an advanced stage of baldness, which the laurel crown was intended to disguise.