Set of 3 Antique Grand Tour Bronze Portrait Plaques – Roman Emperors Vespasian & Augustus, 19th Century Italian

9" H X 6.75" W

Sourced and imported from the UK (purchased from an Italian antique dealer)

Set of Three 19th-Century Grand Tour Bronze Portrait Plaques – Roman Emperors

Set of three antique Italian bronze portrait plaques dating to the mid-to-late 19th century, made as Grand Tour souvenirs for European travelers exploring the classical world. Each plaque features a finely cast profile of a Roman emperor in low relief, with Latin inscriptions modeled after imperial Roman coinage and medallions. These were created during the height of the neoclassical revival when collecting bronze reproductions of antiquities became a mark of status and education.

The first plaque is labeled “VESPASIANVS AVG” and depicts Emperor Vespasian (ruled 69–79 AD), known for stabilizing the Roman Empire after civil unrest and commissioning the Colosseum. His portrait features closely cropped hair and a stern expression, echoing his reputation as a military leader and pragmatic ruler.

The second and third plaques both reference Augustus, Rome’s first emperor. One is inscribed “AVG DIVI FIL”, meaning “Augustus, son of the divine [Julius Caesar],” a title Octavian used to reinforce his legitimacy. The other reads “C. CAES T. F. A.”, a compressed Latin inscription likely referring again to Augustus or his imperial lineage. Both are shown with a laurel crown and classical drapery, traditional iconography that emphasized their authority and semi-divine status.

These pieces were originally intended for display in libraries, studies, or salons—spaces where classical references were both aesthetic and intellectual. Cast in solid bronze with rich, aged patinas and high relief detailing, they embody the blend of history and artistry that defined 19th-century Grand Tour collecting.

Italian, circa 1850–1890

Solid bronze with original dark brown patina

Subjects: Vespasian and Augustus

Original mounting holes at top for easy hanging

Condition:  All three plaques are in very good antique condition with an even dark patina and sharp relief throughout. Light surface wear and subtle tonal variations are consistent with age and handling. No repairs or modern alterations are present. The inscriptions remain legible, and the detailing in the hair, drapery, and facial features is well preserved.