Question: seen from the back or the front...?

maridvnvm · Feb 10, 2020

With some busts where the emperor is holding something e.g. shield or spear you can get a lot of information based on the position/orientation of the item being held.

Shield and spear, seen from front

Shield is in foreground on right hand side, spear diagonally backwards over far shoulder

Shield and spear, seen from rear

Shield is in foreground on left hand side, spear diagonally forwards

Scepter (or spear), seen from front

Spear is on far shoulder (regardless of the direction that the bust is facing). Often detailing, such as a gorgon, will be placed on the chest.