Roman Bust of Socrates

1st-2nd century AD. A bronze hollow bust of the philosopher Socrates, with fastening nail on the back and rectangular recess on the rear of the head, long beard covering the chin and upper part of the bare breast, receding hairline and furrowed brow; mounted on a custom-made display stand. See for parallels of the various portraits of Socrates Catoni, M.L. & Giuliani, L., 'Socrates Represented: Why Does He Look Like a Satyr?' in The University of Chicago Press Journal, Chicago, 2019, pp.681-713, especially fig.8, p.696; Paul Getty Museum, Small Bronze Sculptures from the Ancient World, Malibu, 1990, for discussion on the small bronzes in Ancient World. 189 grams total, 10.5cm including stand (4"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection formed since 1970; this lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate number no.10872-179114. Such busts were used as furniture ornaments. They were cast with a flat back for attachment as an ornament onto an item of furniture, such as a wooden chest for storing fabrics or valuables (see Paul Getty Museum, 1990, p.220"). The image of Socrates was very popular in the ancient world. A bronze statue of the seated philosopher was made by Lysippos in the 4th century BC, probably several decades after Socrates' death in 399 BC. Diogenes Laertius (Lives of the Philosophers, II.5.43) writes in the 3rd century AD that Lysippos' Socrates was erected in the Pompeion at Athens. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website] For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price [No Reserve]
Condition Report: Very fine condition.