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Portrait head of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
Roman
Imperial Period, Antonine
about A.D. 170
Medium/Technique
Marble, Dolomitic from the Greek island of Thasos
Dimensions
Height: 37 cm (14 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John Laurent
Accession Number1971.93
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 365; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 115 (additional published references).
DescriptionThe nose is missing, and the left side of the head shows major damage to the original marble surface. A major part of the left eye, the mouth, the beard at the chin, and much of the rest of the left side of the face has been turned into calcium sulfate (gypsum). A large rectangular hole, for supporting the figure, appears in the back of the head. The undamaged surfaces have areas of light brown to yellow patina or staining.
The traces on the shoulder and behind the neck indicate that this portrait came from a bust draped in a cloak or tunic, or from a togate statue. The latter might be more likely the case, for a hole drilled in the back of the head above the nape of the neck at the time of carving in antiquity suggests a fixture for securing a statue to the niche of a basilica, a theater facade, or similar public architectural setting.
Scientific Analysis:
Marble has been scientifically tested with X-Ray Fluorescence and determined to be Dolomitic.
Harvard Lab No. HI368b: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.50 / delta18O -6.44, Attribution - Thasos-Cape Vathy, Justification - Dolomitic by EM.
The traces on the shoulder and behind the neck indicate that this portrait came from a bust draped in a cloak or tunic, or from a togate statue. The latter might be more likely the case, for a hole drilled in the back of the head above the nape of the neck at the time of carving in antiquity suggests a fixture for securing a statue to the niche of a basilica, a theater facade, or similar public architectural setting.
Scientific Analysis:
Marble has been scientifically tested with X-Ray Fluorescence and determined to be Dolomitic.
Harvard Lab No. HI368b: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.50 / delta18O -6.44, Attribution - Thasos-Cape Vathy, Justification - Dolomitic by EM.
Provenance1907, purchased in Rome by Robert Laurent (b. 1890 - d. 1970), Ogunquit, ME [see note]; by inheritance to his son, John Laurent (b. 1921 - d. 2005) and Nancy Laurent, York, ME; 1971, gift of Mr. and Mrs. John Laurent to the MFA. (Accessoin Date: March 10, 1971)
NOTE: At the time this was offered to the MFA. Mrs. Laurent wrote that it had been purchased by Robert Laurent in Rome in 1907, at the age of 17.
NOTE: At the time this was offered to the MFA. Mrs. Laurent wrote that it had been purchased by Robert Laurent in Rome in 1907, at the age of 17.