Vespasian tazza

Thickset Vespasian stands proudly above his dish. In each of the Silver Caesars, the goldsmiths introduced a subtle visual harmony between the statuette and the rest of the tazza below. The decoration that runs along the outer border of this dish, which recalls a linked chain, is echoed on the belt and skirt of Vespasian’s armor. The ordered verticality of his clothing complements the pedestal below him, as it would the original fluted foot.

Scene one
In a series of battles, Vespasian puts an end to the Jewish rebellion in Judaea (A.D. 67–68). His son Titus serves as one of his officers

Scene two
1
While Vespasian is eating breakfast, a stray dog brings him a human hand and drops it under the table, a good omen and a sign of future power

2
On a different occasion, an ox breaks free from its yoke and bursts into the dining room where Vespasian is eating. The servants run away in a panic, but the ox drops to its knees as if bowing before the emperor—another good omen

Scene three
1
A blind man and a lame man approach Vespasian as he sits at the tribunal. They beg the emperor to cure them

2
Although he doubts his ability to help the men, Vespasian spits in the eye of the blind man

3
Next, Vespasian touches his heel to the leg of the lame man. Both men are miraculously cured of their ailments

Scene four
1
Vespasian returns to Rome having earned a great reputation and is welcomed as a hero. He celebrates his military victory over the Jews in a triumphal procession (A.D. 71)