Legal Definitions - jus imaginis

Jus imaginis refers to a specific right under ancient Roman law that permitted certain individuals to publicly display images or statues of their ancestors. This privilege was exclusively granted to members of the Roman upper class, serving as a significant public declaration of their noble lineage and social standing.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of jus imaginis:

• Imagine a prominent Roman senator, Lucius, who hosts important guests in the atrium of his grand villa. Adorning the walls and pedestals of this central hall are numerous meticulously crafted marble busts and wax masks (known as imagines) depicting his father, grandfather, and other distinguished forebears. By prominently displaying these ancestral images within his home, Lucius is exercising his jus imaginis, visually asserting his family's long-standing nobility and high social status to all who enter.

• Consider the powerful Valerius family, who wish to commemorate a deceased ancestor, a celebrated consul, for his contributions to the Republic. They commission a magnificent bronze statue of him to be erected in a public square in Rome. This public display of their ancestor's image, intended to honor his memory and remind citizens of the family's historical importance, is a clear demonstration of the Valerius family's jus imaginis, reinforcing their prestige and influence.

• During the elaborate funeral procession for a deceased member of a patrician family, it was customary for actors or family members to wear wax masks (imagines) representing the deceased's ancestors. These figures would march in the procession, preceding the coffin through the streets of Rome. This public parade of ancestral images was a powerful manifestation of the family's jus imaginis, showcasing their deep historical roots and emphasizing their enduring significance to the Roman community.