Statue of a togatus with a head of Hortensius

This celebrated statesman who at an early age was already famous in the Roman forum for his eloquence, received every honour which public estimation could confer, of all of which he showed himself thoroughly deserving. The descendant of a family of illustrious magistrates he became in the end its chief ornament. Animated by the purest aims, he ever exerted his influence in the cause of freedom, which had suffered greatly through the rival ambition of Pompey and Caesar. His oratorical powers, and delivery were captivating in the extreme, whilst the grace and tastefulness of his attire rendered him an object of special admiration. These rare gifts and peculiarities of manner are to a certain extent introduced in the present work, the style and execution of which are quite worthy of the subject. In no other work of art perhaps was the great dignity of the Roman toga rendered so manifest. Majestically enveloping the whole person in its ample folds, it reveals an unwonted skill in the execution of the drapery. The figure in fact is so life-like that we can almost fancy we still hear the sound of his voice. This statue is a work of great merit.

Inv. nr. 117. H. 2.50. From Portus or Laurentum.