A Portrait Bust of Julia Mamaea from the Pantanello of Hadrian’s Villa?

A portrait bust of Julia Mamaea, likely originating from the Pantanello at Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) in Tivoli, has been identified through analysis of 18th-century antiquarian records and collection histories. The study suggests that this bust, now housed in Potsdam’s Schloss Sanssouci, was part of a collection acquired by Cardinal Polignac before being transferred to Frederick II of Prussia. This finding strengthens the evidence linking Julia Mamaea, a prominent figure in the Severan dynasty, to Hadrian’s Villa, further illuminating its use during the early 3rd century. The research combines antiquarian sources with provenance tracking to reconstruct the bust’s journey and its significance within the villa’s imperial portrait sequence.

Colzani, G. (2025). A Portrait Bust of Julia Mamaea from the Pantanello of Hadrian’s Villa? LANX. Rivista Della Scuola Di Specializzazione in Beni Archeologici - Università Degli Studi Di Milano, (33), 34–43. https://doi.org/10.54103/2035-4797/30353