Bust of Marcus Aurelius. 36 cm.

Description

Reproduction of a bust of Marcus Aurelius in moulded marble (marble powder with binder). Finished with patinas of ageing based on natural earths that give it the appearance of a sculpture embellished by the passage of time.

Measurements:

• Total height bust + base: 36 cm. Width: 20 cm. Depth: 14 cm.
• Bust height: 28 cm.
• Base: Width: 12 cm. Depth: 12 cm. Height: 8 cm.
• Approx. weight: 5 kg.

Recreation of a bust of Marcus Aurelius made from original busts from the 2nd century AD on display in the Archaeological Museum in Istanbul and the British Museum in London.

The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius is known as one of the “Five Good Emperors.” Marcus Aurelius (121 AD-180 AD), the philosopher-emperor, ruled the Roman Empire alongside co-emperor Lucius Verus from 161 to 180 AD. His legacy transcends his role as an emperor, as he is also remembered as one of the most notable Stoic philosophers. His best-known work, “Meditations,” is a journal in which he reflects on his thoughts, focused on the constant pursuit of virtue and wisdom and their practical application in everyday life.

Marcus Aurelius faced numerous significant challenges during his reign, including military conflicts, epidemics, and internal crises. Amidst difficulties, he was able to maintain the stability of the empire despite both external and internal threats. Thanks to Stoic philosophy, he could endure the pressures of governance, following Stoic principles that urge serenely accepting adversities and cultivating virtues such as generosity, justice, self-discipline, and moderation.

This philosopher-emperor continues to be admired today for his personal coherence and integrity, and his moral and ethical standards during a critical period in Roman history. Marcus Aurelius has reached us as an example of a leader capable of exercising political power from a practical philosophical perspective, based on personal reflection that leads to a constant pursuit of inner perfection and the practice of virtues.

“In your actions, do not delay. In your conversations, do not confuse. In your thoughts, do not become unfocused. In your soul, do not be passive, nor aggressive. And let your life not be just about business.” (Marcus Aurelius)

“Our life is what our thoughts create.” (Marcus Aurelius)

Read more about the Stoic philosophers on our blog: Stoic Philosophers, a model of Strength and Joy