Domitian tazza

ca. 1587–99, foot added after the mid-19th century
Not on view
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
The first scene on this tazza is among the most puzzling in the set, contributing to a long-standing misidentification of the dish. Part of the difficulty stems from the fact that although the episode takes place in Rome, the setting looks nothing like the ancient
city—the buildings at right are typical of Northern Europe. In fact, the tazze have a preponderance of Northern imagery, suggesting that the Silver Caesars were manufactured north of the Alps.

Scene one
1
During the war with Vitellius over control of Rome (a.d. 69), Domitian flees to the Capitol. When the temple bursts into flames, he goes into hiding with the building’s caretaker

Scene two
Emperor Domitian, having restored the Circus Maximus, entertains his people with an extravagant display of chariot races

Scene three
1
Domitian generously hands out money to the Roman people

Scene four
1
Domitian celebrates his military victories over the northern tribes with a triumphal procession (a.d. 89)

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Domitian tazza
  • Date: ca. 1587–99, foot added after the mid-19th century
  • Culture: Netherlandish?
  • Medium: Gilded silver
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: Figure: Victoria and Albert Museum, London,
    Dr. W. L. Hildburgh Bequest
    Dish and foot: Minneapolis Institute of Art,
    The James Ford Bell Family Foundation
    Fund, The M. R. Schweitzer Fund, and The
    Christina N. and Swan J. Turnblad Memorial
    Fund
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts