Bust of Lucius Verus. France, ca. 1880.

Bust of Lucius Verus. France, ca. 1880.
Patinated bronze.
Base in rouge griotte marble.
Foundry stamp: H. Luppens et Cie.
Measurements: 40,5 x 17 x 15 cm.

Bust in patinated bronze representing Lucius Verus, Roman emperor of the second century and co-regent with Marcus Aurelius. The work follows classic models of imperial portrait, with special attention to the treatment of curly hair, the abundant beard and the severe expression, characteristic features of the Antonine iconography.

The piece stands out for the quality of the modeling and the contrast between the dark patina of the bronze and the rouge griotte marble base, which adds chromatic richness and presence to the whole. The bust rises on a stepped base, reinforcing its archaeological and decorative character, typical of the historicist taste of the 19th century.

The H. Luppens et Cie foundry stamp places the work within the French production of artistic bronzes of the late 19th century, intended for cultured interiors and collectors interested in classical antiquity.