On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Domitian tazza
Not on view
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)
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
