PORTRAIT BUST OF PERICLES
Classification
Dimensions
58,5 x 28,5 x 35 cm
Date
early 20th century
Period
Material
Iconography
Inscription
Inventory
Ag.42
ID
Hyp-6261
References
As the Greek name engraved on it suggests, the bust represents Pericles (ca. 495—429 BC), the outstanding leader of Athenian democracy, who ruled the polis for about four decades. He wears a Corinthian helmet pushed back high on his forehead — the portrait thus depicts the statesman as a general. He bears no individual features, which mediates the message that Pericles is “one of us”. The piece in London was made in the Roman Imperial period after a statue created by Kresilas around 440 BC. The memory of Pericles was perpetuated by other ancient portraits as well.
