Livia – Rollenbilder zwischen Tradition und Innovation

Abstract

The images of Livia are a central subject of research due to their important role in the visual representation of the imperial house at the beginning of the Principate. In addition to the portrait types, the different image carriers used and the contexts in which they were used are also important. An analysis of the statues, busts, cameos and portraits created during her lifetime allows for a new perspective on the depictions with a stola despite the difficult circumstances of their transmission. Here, a greater variance can be demonstrated iconographically for the supposedly uniform image of the femina stolata. At the same time, the focus is on the novel medial presence of Livia not only through statues, but also on new contexts of use for the gems and cameos or innovative images such as the free-standing bust.