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The aim of this contribution is to question the representation of “emotions” in the effigies of Roman emperors that constitute an important medium of their self-promotion. The starting point of the study consists of several passages of ancient authors touching on the reflection of character (ethè, sensus) and of feelings/passions (pathè, perturbationes) in the figurative arts. The following paragraphs contain an insight in the ancient lectures of the physiognomy of emperors, real or depicted, and a critical review of their modern interpretations. These allow us to reevaluate the possible presence of adfectus in the portraits of emperors that are presented chronologically, and the way they are expressed visually, particularly in the case of Caracalla where emotivity seems particularly important.