Bust of Marcus Aurelius, Young

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A stunning bust of young Marcus Aurelius was unearthed on the grounds of the magnificent Roman villa of Chiragan (Martes-Tolosane, Haute-Garonne). Emperor Antoninus Pius had long favored Marcus Aurelius, producing numerous busts in various styles to honor him. This exceptional Chiragan bust is one of its finest representations of Aurelius, crafted around 145 AD. The years 144-145 were pivotal for the young Marcus Aurelius; he was appointed as a second consulate and married Faustina, Antoninus Pius's daughter. This union sealed Pius's decision to anoint Aurelius as his successor. A new bust was created from the original "youthful" style of Marcus Aurelius portraits, subtly aging the sitter by adding a nascent beard and mustache, signaling the young Emperor's transition into adolescence. The bust is masterfully crafted, featuring a beautiful effect of drapery on the military coat (paludamentum), secured by a fibula flower on the right shoulder. The mustache and beard elegantly frame his jawline, complementing a thick head of hair and intricately curled locks. The iris of his eye is meticulously engraved, while the pupil is doubly punctuated, a feature that would soon become a standard in traditional Roman portraiture. (Image: Jean-François Peiré)