Western Europe, Italy, ca. late 20th century CE. A marvelous and massive bust of Marcus Aurelius (121 to 180 CE), skillfully carved from variegated marble of burgundy, red, green, gray, and white hues, all with beautiful swirls of natural veining. Capped with a helmet and atop a wavy coiffure, the powerful figure turns his head to a slight right and gazes forwards from almond-shaped eyes beneath a narrowed brow. His sharp nose echoes the point of his helmet, while his closed mouth is engulfed in thick locks of hair that make up his mustache and beard. The emperor exhibits a dominating presence, displaying broad shoulders and a strong chest. A winged head, likely intended as a gorgon head adorns his breastplate, which he wears over a burgundy tunic. A thick military cloak or paludamentum of mottled red and cream hues drapes his left shoulder, attached via a circular fastening. Size: 31.1" L x 17.5" W x 38.5" H (79 cm x 44.4 cm x 97.8 cm)

Many marble busts of Marcus Aurelius, like this example, are based off antique representations of the ancient emperor sculpted during his rule. One such classical portrait bust can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession number L.2008.49. In their description of the bust, the Met states, "This portrait exemplifies Marcus Aurelius' image as the perfect ruler, the "philosopher king." His face projects maturity, serenity, and wisdom, underlined by his long beard in the tradition of Greek philosophers. But he also wears a military tunic and cloak, which reflect his active role as commander-in-chief. He spent many years during his reign on campaign in central Europe defending the Danube frontier against barbarian invaders. It was during these campaigns that he wrote parts of the so-called Meditations, a personal diary of his innermost thoughts, influenced by the teachings of the Greek philosopher Epictetus."

Marcus Aurelius is one of the most famous of the Roman emperors, renowned for his intellect and military prowess, the last of the so-called Five Good Emperors. He ruled jointly with Lucius Verus until Verus's death in 169 and then jointly with his son Commodus from 177. Beyond the public sphere, he practiced Stoicism and wrote the Meditations (a title given after his death), a major source for modern understanding of Stoicism.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, before 2010

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#161507

Losses to front of helmet and bottom periphery of cape. Minor repair to verso of proper right shoulder. Expected surface wear with some nicks and abrasions throughout. Remains of adhesive around neck. Otherwise, excellent with a strong presentation.