Antisthenes at The British Museum, London

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This is a bust portrait of Greek philosopher Antisthenes. He was born about 450-370 BC and is known as the founder of the Cynic school of philosophy. The name "Cynic" means dog-like, referring to the unworldliness of Antisthenes and his followers. Diogenes of Sinope, who lived in a barrel, was one of his followers. Antisthenes died in 370 BC. This portrait appears to have been created, possibly based on an earlier image, in Pergamon, a Greek city in Asia Minor, around the late third or early second century BC. The wild hair, rugged beard, curved eyebrows, furrowed brow, prominent nose, and hooded deep-set eyes are all features of a general philosopher type developed for the library of Pergamon, capital of one of the great Hellenistic dynasties. Specific individual characteristics were added to this general type. The Pergamon Library portraits were widely copied during the Roman period. This particular portrait was found near the Via Appia outside Rome along with copies of other portraits. This object is part of "Scan The World", a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, which aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from around the globe for public access. Scan The World is an open source community effort, and individuals with interesting items can contribute by emailing stw@myminifactory.com to find out how they can help.