Private celebrative and devotional Works
1.
Male Portraits in Marble and Bronze.
These three portraits each have distinct facial features, though their identities remain uncertain. The small bronze bust likely represents Emperor Nerva (96–98 AD) in an idealized portrait created after his death. The two marble busts, however, are thought to depict unidentified members of the local elite. The small bust on the right portrays a young man with an expressive, emotionally charged gaze. Its stylistic details, rooted in the late Hellenistic tradition, suggest it dates to the mid-1st century BC. The portrait on the left appears to have undergone significant reworking in post-classical times, but its original features suggest it was created during the Antonine era.
2.
Bronze Figure of a Man in Religious Attire, 2nd Century AD.
This veiled figure follows the imperial iconography of the Pontifex Maximus, made famous by the portrait of Augustus of Via Labicana and echoed in the sculptures of Veleia’s basilica.
Bronze Statuette of a Young Man, Known as Alexander the Great, 1st Century AD.
Discovered on September 6, 1776, inside a domus alongside a small bronze statue of young Dionysus. The figure stands with his right arm raised above his head, likely holding a spear, while his lowered left hand may have once held a sword. His gaze is directed upward. This small statue is a 1st-century AD Roman copy of the famous depiction of Alexander the Great by Lysippos, the celebrated 4th-century BC Greek sculptor. The distinctive head tilt, intense gaze, and characteristic lock of hair lifted from the forehead all mirror Lysippos’ original masterpiece.
3.
Portrait of an Adolescent, Attributed to Gordian III (238–244 AD), Silver Leaf, 3rd Century AD.
This portrait likely formed the centerpiece of a decorative shield or a large ritual vessel (phiale). Its facial features and stylistic elements have led scholars to identify it with one of the young emperors of the 3rd century, most likely the thirteen-year-old Gordian III.
4.
Portrait of Gaius Julius Caesar, Greek Marble, Late 1st Century BC – Early 1st Century AD.
Unearthed in Veleia in 1811 during limited excavations led by Pietro De Lama and Michele Lopez. This head belongs to a posthumous portrait type of Caesar, created in the early Augustan period. The sculpture, both commemorative and personal, conveys a strong psychological depth: the stern gaze, accentuated by furrowed brows, is directed forward, while the neatly styled hair is carefully sculpted, defining each lock. Though slightly rigid in execution, the face retains distinct features— a long nose, prominent cheekbones, a tight-lipped mouth, and hollow cheeks. Deep wrinkles add an intense, almost dramatic quality to the portrait. This piece exemplifies the fusion of traditional Republican Roman portrait tradition with the austere formalism of the Augustan era.
5.
Ornamental Bronze Frames.
These decorative elements, featuring intricate vegetal motifs, were typically used to embellish the bases of small commemorative or religious monuments.
6.
Divine Figures from Veleia.
Among the divine representations found in Veleia, the refined bronze statuette of young Dionysus stands out. His head, turned to the right and framed by thick curls, is crowned with ivy and grape clusters that drape over his shoulders. This piece, a finely crafted work from early imperial workshops, was discovered in 1776 alongside the so-called Alexander the Great statuette. Likely part of a domus’s prestigious décor, it held both decorative and mildly religious significance.
Another significant find is a small, seated statue of Fortuna, made of white marble and heavily damaged. She is identified by the rudder on her right side and her resemblance to the famous Tyche of Antioch. Dating to the 2nd century AD, such images were typically used for personal devotion or associated with specific social groups—soldiers, merchants, or religious fraternities—who sought the goddess’s favor.
6.
A number of other small bronze statuettes of deities have also been found in Veleia, primarily intended for private worship in household altars or as votive offerings in shrines and temples. Among them are representations of Isis and Isis-Fortuna, Venus bathing, Minerva, and Mercury.