Paul Zanker is a renowned expert on Roman art. His 1988 book, The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus, remains a seminal resource for scholars and students around the world. In this lecture, Zanker examines a statue currently on loan to the Gallery that depicts a Roman emperor or general wearing a highly decorated military breastplate, or cuirass. Zanker discusses the history and interpretation of this outstanding work of art within the broader tradition of Roman cuirassed portrait statues, which were essential elements of Roman propaganda, erected around the empire to assert and celebrate the military prowess of the ruler.

Followed by a reception

Cosponsored by the Yale Center for British Art