Equestrian Domitian-Nerva
description: Description: The statue of the Equestrian Domitian-Nerva is made of bronze and the bronze has traces of a red/brown tint. The body of the statue itself is mostly preserved, however pieces of the neck are missing as is the right eye. The head and front legs of the horse are preserved and the rest of the horse's body is a modern reconstruction. The man (Domitian-Nerva) is riding horseback and would have, presumably, been holding a spear. There is also a seam in the metal work where the face of Nerva was added on as Domitian’s face was taken off. The face of the statue of Equestrian Domitian-Nerva is the face of Nerva. Nerva has downward facing eyebrows, an elongated/hooked nose, and a small chin. Furthermore, Nerva has an aged face as he has lines and creases around his mouth, nose, and on his forehead. There is a sense of verism, however it is not an extreme case. Both Domitian and Nerva had a full head of curly hair as seen in this bronze statue. The body of the statue is that of Domitian’s. The emperor is wearing a metal breastplate, or a cuirass, as well as his military cloak, also known as a paludamentum, over his left shoulder. He is also wearing senatorial shoes. The breastplate is ornately decorated with the head of Medusa in the center and Hercules as an infant slaying snakes on the right shoulder strap. Significance: The appearance of Equestrian Domitian-Nerva is significant in that it tells the story of both Domitian and Nerva. The statue was commissioned for Domitian. Scholars know that the body of the statue is that of Domitian because of the baby Hercules on the shoulder strap. Domitian’s identification with Hercules is his attempt to show that he comes from a divine lineage/family and that he is perhaps similar to Hercules. The head of Medusa in the center of the breastplate is meant to be an apotropaic symbol, meaning that it is supposed to act as a protective device and ward off evil. While it is not entirely certain, it is believed that the statue of…
creator: Unknown
source: Italy, Misenum, Sacellum of the Augustales
date: Flavian/Nervan, ca. 95 AD
contributor: Ryan Milley
format: 130 cm tall