Jugate portrait of a couple in Roman style 1770 - 1785

Giovanni Pichler created this Jugate portrait of a couple in the Roman style from a cameo in the late 18th century. Jugate portraits were popular during the Roman Empire to represent leaders and their families, linking their power to artistic legacy. This piece was made during the Grand Tour era. Wealthy Europeans, especially the British, traveled to Italy to experience art and culture firsthand. Artists like Pichler catered to this market, creating souvenirs and mementos of classical antiquity. The Roman style signified sophistication and an appreciation for history and the piece would have appealed to the elite travelers seeking to display their cultural knowledge and status. The couple's idealized profiles and classical hairstyles reflect a desire to associate themselves with the perceived virtues and refined taste of ancient Rome. Analyzing letters, travel journals, and inventories from this time, we can start to understand more about the cultural values attached to artworks like this, reminding us that art's meaning is always tied to its social and historical moment.