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© Bruce M. White, 2021.
ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art

Intaglio Gem Depicting a Portrait Head of Epicurus

CultureRoman
PeriodRepublican
Datesecond half 1st Century BCE
MediumMicrocrystalline quartz, var. carnelian
Credit LineCarlos Collection of Ancient Art
DimensionsOverall: 9/16 × 11/16 × 1/8 in. (1.4 × 1.7 × 0.3 cm)
Object number2007.030.004
Label TextThe prominent aquiline nose, furrowed brow, and full, curly beard identify this male portrait as that of the fourth-century BCE philosopher Epicurus (341–270 BCE). Epicurus advocated the pursuit of ataraxia (freedom from care) through simple pleasures, including dining, outdoor exercise, and literary discussion. These teachings were embraced by Roman elites in the first centuries BCE-CE, who cultivated a life of refined leisure-time, known as otium. Portraits of Epicurus became popular in various media, especially as décor for luxury Roman villas. The politician Cicero even attests to Roman Epicureans wearing the philosopher’s portrait engraved on their ringstones (De finibus 5.1.3), perhaps as a personal memento of his teachings.
Exhibition HistoryExuberance of Meaning: The Art Patronage of Catherine the Great (1762-1796), Georgia Museum of Art, Athens, Georgia, September 21, 2013 - January 5, 2014
Passion of the Empress: Catherine the Great's Art Patronage, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, Washington, DC, February 15 - June 8, 2014
Making an Impression: The Art and Craft of Ancient Engraved Gemstones, Michael C. Carlos Museum, August 27 - November 27, 2022
Published ReferencesCahn Auktionen AG, Auktion 2 (21. September 2007), 76, lot 123.
Lang, J. Mit Wissen geschmückt? Zur bildlichen Rezeption griechischer Dichter und Denker in der römischen Lebenswelt (2012), 152, Kat.Nr. G Ep15.
Asen Kirin, Exuberance of Meaning: The Art Patronage of Catherine the Great (1762-1796) (Georgia: Georgia Museum of Art, 2013), 190, number 47.
Arachne no. 201866
ProvenanceEx coll. Dr. Jacob Hirsch (1874-1955), Germany, Switzerland, and United States. Ex coll. Roland Maly (1927-2006), Switzerland, from ca. 1972. Thence by descent. Purchased by MCCM from Cahn Auktionen AG, Switzerland.
Status
Not on view
Collections
  • Greek and Roman Art