Bust of Marcus Aurelius

This bust of Marcus Aurelius is both antique and Victorian. The head and neck are dated to approximately 180 C.E. while the torso, a replaced portion of the nose, and the plinth are from the nineteenth century. Authenticated as an antique by the seller Guiseppe Mancini, this bust was acquired by American tourists in Italy in 1889, when the sculpture was shipped to the United States.
This depiction of Marcus Aurelius shows him as a young man, though it was likely crafted close to his death in 180 C.E. Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of Rome from 161 to 180 C.E. He was the last of the “Five Good Emperors.” Considered one of the most important Stoic philosophers, Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, written in Greek while on military campaign between 170 and 180 C.E., is still revered as a literary masterpiece.

The bust sits upon a burlwood Hungarian Ash Shaving Stand with Ormolu Mounts, 1825-1850. This stand exhibits design characteristics of the French Empire or German Biedermier style even though it was made in Central Europe. Beneath the hinged top is a mirror. Two leaves fold open to reveal the voids where a shaving bowl and assorted accoutrements would have been stored. The cabinet below opens by way of a hidden latch, and swings on a pin system through the proper left column. A Classical bust atop a Neoclassical table is the embodiment of colonial revival popular in late nineteenth century America, which was occurring at the time that sculpture was imported to the United States.