Romeinse sculptuur van Matidia Minor 1885 - 1895

This is a photograph of a Roman sculpture of Matidia Minor, made by an anonymous artist. Matidia Minor was the niece of Emperor Hadrian, part of the powerful Nerva-Antonine dynasty, a period marked by relative peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire. Consider the role of women in Roman society; women of the elite class often had significant influence behind the scenes, though they were largely excluded from formal political power. Sculptures like these served to immortalize and elevate the status of these women, presenting them as embodiments of Roman virtues. The hairstyle, with its intricate curls, is typical of Roman portraiture of the time, reflecting the importance placed on appearance and status. These images perpetuated the values of the Roman Empire, while offering glimpses into the lives and identities of those who shaped it. The sculpture and its photograph invite us to reflect on the power dynamics of ancient Rome and the women who navigated them.