Bust of Marcus Aurelius
Catalogue Image
Left Side 2016-00-00
Name/Title
Bust of Marcus AureliusEntry/Object ID
09R01134Description
The bust has a sparkle to it as it is an unfinished resin replica. He is draped in robes, and facial hair is very long and groomed. He has an expressionless face. The nose is straight and prominent. His eyes are deep set and emotionless. His hair is very curly. His toga is fastened on his right shoulder. There are many folds in the toga and fringe from the toga on both shoulders. The bottom of the base has a large piece missing from the front. Small chipping higher up on the base. The base is a small pedestal.Type of Sculpture
BustArtwork Details
Medium
ResinContext
Marcus Aurelius' bust shows some continuity in style from those of Hadrian; elements such as the full beard, scoring around around the iris, and holes drilled in the pupil are present. His hair is arranged in thick, tight curls, he has heavy lidded almond-shaped eyes and oval-shaped facial structure. Many portraits of Marcus Aurelius have survived the ravages of time. Rather than the "ageless adult" portraiture of his predecessors, the representations of Marcus demonstrate the various stages of his life. The earliest stage depicts Marcus as a boy in his late teens, continuing through his maturity to a military ruler, and eventually into a "tired and disillusioned stoic philosopher". Displaying the mental state of the emperor together with the physical appearance is a convention that began with Marcus Aurelius. His expression is often sad, particularly in his adult depictions, as seen in this particular piece.Made/Created
Date made
100 CE - 199 CETime Period
Roman ImperialEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Roman