PORTRAIT OF THE EMPEROR CARACALLA IN MARBLE Roman art, circa 200 AD Male head of the emperor Caracalla, still a child, depicted with a youthful face, full cheeks, abundant curly hair, looking to the right. Restored forehead and nose. Size: 41 x 20 cm Provenance: Former French private collection, Lyon, 1950s Christie's, London, 30 April 2008: no. 176 (ill.) Christian Levett Collection, Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins Exhibitions: Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins (MACM), Mougins, France, June 2011-August 2023 Bibliography: J. Pollini, "Roman Marble Sculpture" in M. Merrony (ed.), Mougins Museum of Classical Art, France, 2011, p.103, fig. 61 Caracalla (188-217), the first son of Emperor Septimius Severus, was born in Lugdunum (now Lyon) in 188 under the name Lucius Septimius Bassianus. Appointed Caesar and then Augustus in his early years by his father in a bid to establish the new reigning dynasty, he became co-emperor with his younger son Geta in 211. Caracalla's reign was marked by violence, which he began by having his brother assassinated in order to retain power for himself. He left behind the memory of an authoritarian and bloody reign, but also a grandiose architectural legacy, having built one of the largest thermal complexes ever built in Antiquity in Rome, a symbol of imperial luxury and Roman engineering. A Roman marble portrait of the Emperor Caracalla, Circa 200 A.D Caracalla (188-217), the first son of Emperor Septimius Severus, was born in 188 CE in Lugdunum (modern-day Lyon) under the name Lucius Septimius Bassianus. Appointed Caesar and later Augustus in his youth by his father as part of a plan to establish the new ruling dynasty, he became co-emperor with his younger brother Geta in 211 CE. Caracalla's reign was marked by violence, beginning with the assassination of his brother to secure sole power. He is remembered for his authoritarian and bloody rule, but also for his grand architectural legacy, notably commissioning one of the largest bath complexes ever built in antiquity in Rome, which symbolised both imperial luxury and Roman engineering prowess.