Marble head of a philosopher
Copy of a Greek statue of the last quarter of the 3rd century B.C.
In spite of its battered condition, the portrait conveys the personality of a great thinker. There are striking similarities between this head and portraits of Aristotle (384–322 B.C.), the tutor of Alexander the Great and one of the most important intellects of the fourth century B.C., but the identity of this man remains unknown. The existence of a second head of the same type in the National Archaeological Museum in Chieti, Italy, likely indicates that a well-known person is represented.
In spite of its battered condition, the portrait conveys the personality of a great thinker. There are striking similarities between this head and portraits of Aristotle (384–322 B.C.), the tutor of Alexander the Great and one of the most important intellects of the fourth century B.C., but the identity of this man remains unknown. The existence of a second head of the same type in the National Archaeological Museum in Chieti, Italy, likely indicates that a well-known person is represented.
Artwork Details
- Title: Marble head of a philosopher
- Period: Imperial
- Date: 1st or 2nd century CE
- Culture: Roman
- Medium: Marble, Pentelic
- Dimensions: H. 12 13/16 in. (32.5 cm)
- Classification: Stone Sculpture
- Credit Line: Funds from various donors, 1926
- Object Number: 26.269
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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1268. Marble Head of a Philosopher
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