Marble portrait head of the philosopher Chrysippos

A carved marble head of an older bearded man with a high, bald crown, deep creases across the brow, heavy eye sockets and a pursed, downturned mouth. The surface shows warm golden staining, and the head rests on a plain square base against a dark backdrop. The record identifies the sitter as the philosopher Chrysippos, which the carving itself cannot confirm.

Look closer: Small rough tool marks and a broken neck stump at the base of the head.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1st century CE

Medium

Marble

Source

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Size

2911 × 3880 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fletcher Fund, 1924