This is something that may be common knowledge, but I don't believe I've heard or read about the protocol for a
roman noble to commission a
bust of himself. There are many busts of let us say, less than commonly known Imperial
Romans, such as philosphers, poets and middle class people, but for instance, since
Antoninus Pius didn't assume the purple till middle age does that mean that no busts or other statuary of him ever existed as a boy or young
man?
Was this in some fashion a perogative of
roman rulers and their families? For that matter the same question would apply to
Hadrian.
Any discussion appreciated.
Bruce