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Portrait of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
(Roman Empire )
This masterful portrait of Marcus Aurelius (reigned 161-180 CE) captures the pensive temperament of the philosopher-emperor and author of the celebrated "Meditations," reflections on life and the ways of the gods. The smooth, softly modeled carving of the flesh contrasts markedly with the mass of thick, curling hair. The drooping eyelids and detached gaze suggest his contemplative nature.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Don Marcello Massarenti Collection, Rome, by 1894, [mode of acquisition unknown] [marble no. 14]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1902, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.
Exhibitions
| 1998-2001 | Highlights from the Collection. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
Conservation
| Date | Description | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| 1/1/1992 | Technical Report | x-ray diffraction; other |
| 11/18/1993 | Treatment | cleaned; loss compensation; repaired |
| 2/25/1994 | Treatment | repaired |
| 4/25/1995 | Treatment | cleaned |
Geographies
Roman Empire (Place of Origin)
Measurements
14 1/2 x 11 x 11 9/16 in. (36.8 x 27.9 x 29.3 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by Henry Walters with the Massarenti Collection, 1902
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
23.215
