Image: Marcus Aurelius Metropolitan Museum

Description: The bust exemplifies Marcus Aurelius' image as the perfect ruler, the "philsopher 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 the latter part of his reign on campaign in central Europe defending the Danube frontier against several different barbarian tribes. It was during these campaigns that he wrote part of the so-called Meditations, a personal diary of his innermost thoughts, influenced by the teachings of the Greek philosopher Epictetus. The bust is said to have been acquired in Rome by the Hon. James Barry Smith and was displayed at Marbury Hall in Chesire, England in 1776.–Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Title: Marcus Aurelius Metropolitan Museum
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