Attributed to Giovanni Baratta, bust of an Emperor, white marble Giovanni Baratta (attr.) (Carrara 1670 - 1747) BUST OF AN EMPEROR white marble sculpture, 89x67x26 cm Comparative literature G. Pratesi (ed.), Repertorio della scultura fiorentina del Seicento e Settecento , Vol. II, Turin 1993, table 7 The bust has traditionally been identified with the Roman emperor Augustus, although some have suggested it to be his adopted son Tiberius. The effigy is characterised by thick, wavy hair and is clothed in a broad cloak fastened over the right shoulder, covering a refined scale-work and embellished with a satirical mask on the chest, just below the quadrangular neckline. The sculpture is part of the custom, which came into vogue in the late Renaissance and continued throughout the 18th century, of adorning the halls of noble palaces with busts of emperors. Certain stylistic features suggest a placement in the first decades of the 18th century, suggesting attribution to the Baroque sculptor Giovanni Baratta, a pupil of Giovan Battista Foggini and author of numerous works of both a religious and profane nature.