Marble statuette of a seated philosopher
Unknown Artist
1st or 2nd century CE
Medium
Marble
Dimensions
H. 21 7/16 in. (54.4 cm)
Classification
Stone Sculpture
Culture & Period
Roman · Imperial
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Fletcher Fund, 1924
Accession Number
24.73
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite marble statuette of a seated philosopher, dating to the 1st or 2nd century CE captures the intellectual spirit of the Roman Imperial period. Carved from fine white marble, the figure stands about 21 inches tall, making it a portable yet monumental work likely intended for a private study, library, or household shrine. The unknown Roman sculptor skillfully rendered the philosopher in a contemplative pose—seated with draped robes and a thoughtful demeanor—evoking the revered tradition of Greek philosophy that profoundly influenced Roman culture. During the Imperial era, Romans em...