Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Titus dish
Not on view
The coat of arms of Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandini, the first recorded owner of the Silver Caesars, has been added to the upper right corner of the third scene on this dish. After Pietro died in 1621 the tazze remained in Rome with his descendants until 1769. How they came to be in London in 1826 is yet to be discovered. When they arrived, this Titus dish still had its corresponding foot and figure; by 1914, it had neither. Given their precious medium, it is astonishing that the Silver Caesars have not suffered more such losses.
Scene one
Titus completes the conquest of Judaea begun by his father Vespasian. He takes Jerusalem in a final assault (a.d. 70)
Scene two
1
While visiting Memphis in the province of Egypt, Titus honors the Apis bull according to ancient Egyptian religion. Although not yet emperor, he wears a royal diadem
Scene three
1
Titus takes part in his father Vespasian’s triumphal celebration of the conquest of Judaea (a.d. 71)
2
Emperor Vespasian rides in a chariot in front of him
3
Soldiers carry spoils from Jerusalem, including a menorah
Scene four
Titus dedicates the amphitheater now known as the Colosseum. The event is commemorated with a lavish display of gladiators and wild beasts (a.d. 80)
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