This is a colossal head of Lucius Verus, co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius from AD 161-169. Lucius's features are familiar from a number of other portraits. The monumental dimensions of this effigy, which exemplifies the transition from the sensitive works of the Antonian period to the more extravagant baroque style, served to glorify the ruler after his death.

This portrait was one of a pair, with a similarly-sized bust of Marcus Aurelius, who was emperor from AD 161 to 180. Both come from a villa belonging to Lucius Verus in Acqua Traversa, near Rome. The magnified, larger-than-life representation suggests that it was a posthumous work, probably commissioned by Lucilla, the wife of Lucius Verus and daughter of Marcus Aurelius. The piece was therefore probably made sometime between the death of Marcus Aurelius in AD 180, and that of Lucilla in AD 183.

Former Borghese collection. Purchased in 1807 , 1807 Inventaire MR 550 (n° usuel Ma 1170)