Hadrian in Bronze

A rare bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (r. AD 117–138) in the Archaeological Museum in Istanbul—it was found at Adana.

Note the Emperor in a toga, neither in military garb nor nude, emphasizing his role as the first among all the citizens of the empire.

This piece is unique because very few bronze statues have been preserved from ancient times—usually, they were recycled.  Most of the ancient statues that exist today are marble copies of bronze originals!

To view Hadrian in military garb, as the head of the army, Click Here.