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THBHuge 20th C. Italian Marble Bust of Marcus Aurelius
Lot 316
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$6,000 - $9,000
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Oct 7, 2021
Set Reminder
2021-10-07 10:00:00
2021-10-07 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographic-fine-art-7537
Museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (371)
- Lot Description
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
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#161507Losses 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.Condition
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