Reliefs from the Palazzo della Cancelleria -- VATICAN

Speranza

Gregoriano Profano Museum

Reliefs from the Palazzo della Cancelleria Cat. 13392, 13395, 13389, 13391                                 These reliefs found beneath the Palazzo della Cancelleria were part of the decoration of a public monument which can be dated to the reign of Domitian (81-96 A.D.).   Relief A shows the arrival (adventus) of the Emperor Vespasian in Rome, being greeted by a person wearing a toga, who is probably his son, Domitian.   The Genius of the Senate and the Genius of the People of Rome are represented, together with, on the left, the Vestal Virgins and the seated figure of the goddess, Roma.   Relief B shows the departure (profectio) for a military campaign.   The Emperor, preceded by Mars and Minerva, is accompanied by the goddess Roma, the Genius of the Senate with sceptre and the Genius of the People of Rome with cornucopia. On the left the wing of a Victory is visible, alluding to the success of the venture. The face of the Emperor Domitian was re-worked to represent Nerva, after his memory was condemned to oblivion (damnatio memoriae) following his violent death.