Experimenting with a single solar light to supplement the low sunlight. He came out looking positively grumpy.
He was just as grumpy in Antioch Vespasian, Antioch, 'Dupondius' (AE, 26 mm, 15.71 g). Laureate head of Vespasian to left./ Rev. Large S C within laurel wreath. RPC II 2009 (this coin).
I dunno, my V’s has his “look”, but they don’t seem a severe grumpy look. I think about his dry wit, and can just envision how much I like the guy... RI Vespasian 69-79 CE AR Quinarius Victory seated wreath palm 1.35g, 13.5mm RIC 802 R
Thick neck means he may have had Ancient Sleep Apnea. Needed a good nights sleep. Too much wine and fatty foods
Quite the reverse. He died after contracting diarrhoea. Didn't lose his wit though: remarking "Dear me, I think I'm becoming a god!", finding humour in the contrast between his condition and the impending deification.
Vespasian Ar Denarus Ephesus annulet issue 76 AD Obv Head right laureate Rv Winged caduceus RIC 1477 3.07 grms 18 mm Photo by W. Hansen I always thought that rather than being grumpy he looked constipated. I think a comedian at the time made a comment to that effect.
A marvelous portrait! Huge coingrats. One of the wittiest remarks, of this amazingly witty Emps career, was made against him. Supposedly Vespasian asked an artist rendering his image to, "get drawing". And the witty artist replied, "as soon as your done releasing your bowels". The fact that this survives is a testament to Vespasian's self awareness and hilarious sense of humor. Here's my "Cowboy" Vespasian:
When I think of Vespasian's wit, I think of the story of smelling the coins from the urine tax. I had to wonder if you were slipping in a little 'dry' humor here or if this was an accident.