Collection Online as of July 16, 2018
The Emperor as Philosopher, probably Marcus Aurelius (reigned AD 161-180), c. 180-200
103 Roman
bronze, hollow cast in several pieces and joined, Overall: 193 cm (75 15/16 in.). Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 1986.5
Description
The extremely high quality and monumental scale of this bronze draped figure suggest that this is an imperial portrait. The pose with left leg forward, right arm raised to the chest, and right hand visible - is identical to several Greek portraits of philosophers. The figure is most probably the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, who was a student of Stoicism, a set of Greek philosophical beliefs popular among educated Romans of his day. Marcus Aurelius wrote a collection of philosophical reflections called Meditations.
Exhibition History
MFA Boston 1967-70, Ancient Art From Private Collections
Indianapolis Museum of Art (1974) 220-223
Research
To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.
See also
Collection:
Greek and Roman Art
Artist:
Turkey, Bubon(?) (in Lycia), Roman, late 2nd Century
Type of art work:
Sculpture
Medium:
bronze, hollow cast in several pieces and joined
Credit Line:
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund