ITALIAN, 16th Century

Portrait of The Roman Emperor Galba

1561 (dated and inscribed on the reverse of panel)

oil on panel

23 x 19.5 inches, inc.frame

Price: £15,000 GBP

This mid-16th Century Roman panel remains in good and vibrant condition. Galba (24 December 3 BC – 15 January 69 AD) was Roman emperor for seven months from 68 to 69. The governor of Hispania Tarraconensis at the time of the rebellion of Julius Vindex in Gaul, he seized the throne following Nero's suicide.

Born into a wealthy family, Galba was a capable military officer during the first half of the first century AD. He retired during Nero's reign but was later granted the governorship of Hispania Tarraconensis. Taking advantage of the defeat of Vindex's rebellion and Nero's suicide, he became emperor with the support of the Praetorian Guard.

Galba was the oldest emperor to date when he became Emperor and his physical weakness and general apathy led him to be dominated by favorites. Unable to gain popularity with the people or maintain the support of the Praetorian Guard, Galba was killed by Otho, who rebelled when Galba passed him over as his successor. He was the first emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors, and the last to be born in the first century BC.