A group of Spanish painters and sculptors in the framework of the project “Césares de Roma” simulated appearance of Emperor Nero, the last in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The resulting pattern is perfect for the sad and shameful glory of this statesman, but raises a number of questions from the point of view of reliability. Artists recognize – had to sacrifice some details for the sake of “correct perception” of the image.
The main controversial feature of the shape of Nero – his red hair, plus freckles that make it similar to the Irish peasant, but not a noble Roman. It is known that the Emperor’s contemporaries described him as a man with gray-blue eyes and a “lion” hair that matches the straw color. On the other hand, the future Emperor, was descended from a family of Ahenobarbus (Ahenobarbus), which translates as “red-Bearded”, and the color of the hair on the face was considered to be a family trait.
Double chin – a hint of the tendency to gluttony and sloth. Unkempt beard and hair allude to the peculiar Nero narcissism, a large nose “alcoholic” – on craving for alcohol and festivities in General. In the eyes of the Emperor more of lust than of intelligence that is fully consistent with the legends about his passions. In addition, it is possible to notice in terms of the appearance of Nero signs of incest and degeneration was also attributed to the Romans era of decline of the Empire.
History has not preserved the genuine image of Nero, the first busts and paintings appeared in the Renaissance and were created “come down to rumors”. The most known literary sources often misinterpret information, leaving a wide field for speculation. Therefore, the Spanish artists are not afraid of critics – they showed the world this Nero, what we are accustomed to consider, nothing more.
Source — Cesares de Roma