Bust of Marcus Aurelius
Italy, late 17th – early 18th century
White marble, grey marble socle
Dimensions: [to be confirmed]
This finely sculpted portrait bust represents the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD), known as a philosopher-king and the author of Meditations, one of the greatest works of Stoic philosophy.
Wearing a cuirass (military breastplate) adorned with a Gorgoneion (Medusa head) in high relief, the emperor is depicted in a dignified and thoughtful manner, with his distinctive curly beard and hair, modeled after antique prototypes.
The bust likely belongs to the tradition of 17th–18th century Italian classicism, where historical figures were revived in marble for aristocratic collections. The turn of the head and stylized facial features reflect the Baroque interest in idealized yet expressive representations.
