Portrait of Domitia Longina

This portrait of Domitia Longina, the wife of Emperor Domitian (ruled 81–96 AD) is one of the most typical works of the Late Flavian period in Roman portraiture. An obvious reference to classical Greek prototypes enables the sculptor to remain laconically concise, while at the same time precisely and realistically conveying his subject. Only this part of a monumental statue, an official depiction of Domitia Longina, has survived. Individuality is emphasized both in the outward appearance of the Roman matron and in her character, in this case imperious and cruel. A slight tendency towards decorativeness manifests itself in the depiction of the tall elaborate coiffure in a style popular with the ladies of the court. Little is known about Domitia. She was an attractive and indiscrete woman, prepared, according to the 2nd-century Roman historian Suetonius, “to boast of any of her debauchery”. Domitian divorced her after a scandalous affair with an actor named Paris, but later took her back. Domitia knew about the plot against her husband that led to his assassination, but did not unmask the conspirators. She outlived her spouse by 30 years and died at a very venerable age for the time.