Polychrome Marble Bust of Emperor Marcus Aurelius H 60cm

THE SUBJECT OF THE WORK

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, better known simply as Marcus Aurelius, was a Roman emperor, philosopher and writer. On the recommendation of Emperor Hadrian, he was adopted in 138 by his future father-in-law and uncle-in-law Antoninus Pius who nominated him heir to the imperial throne.

He was emperor from 161 until his death due to illness in 180. Although he did not like war, at the beginning of his empire he was forced to open a period of conflict within the borders of the Roman empire because the barbarians were increasingly closer to Rome. He ordered the gladiators to contribute to the defense by enlisting them in the army. He was also concerned with improving the conditions of slaves and giving up every luxury to deal with the serious economic crisis that was gripping the empire.

Towards the Christians he followed the policy of his predecessor Trajan, that is, he did not persecute them. He did not share their cult practices, but he never put the religious question at the center of politics. He also achieved military successes, managing to repel barbarian pressure, controlling the Teutons and conquering part of Mesopotamia at the end of 161. In 175, at the end of the conflicts, he allowed groups of barbarians to enter the empire. He died in 180, according to some historians, of the plague, during a military campaign.

He went down in history as a philosopher and sage. He was a cultured and profound man, a follower of Stoic philosophy, who advocated an ideal of wisdom based on tranquility of the soul, moderation of passions and respect for one’s duty. Virtues that Marcus Aurelius tried to put into practice, despite having to fight for his entire life. His famous work “Conversations with himself”, also known by the titles Thoughts, Meditations, Memories or To himself, contains his private notes on himself and Stoic philosophy.