Cato The Younger reading the Phaedo Before Killing Himself at The Louvre, Paris

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This stunning white Carrara marble sculpture by Jean-Baptiste Roman was meticulously carved and polished in Paris over a remarkable 43-year period from 1792 to 1835. Commissioned in 1832, it showcases the artist's exceptional skill and dedication to his craft. Unfortunately, Roman passed away before its completion. Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis, commonly known as Cato the Younger, was a courageous politician and statesman who lived during the late Roman Republic era. He adhered to the Stoic philosophy and was renowned for his unwavering integrity, unshakeable moral principles, and unrelenting opposition to corruption. This magnificent sculpture captures the poignant moment when Cato the Younger takes his own life while reading Plato's Phaedo, a dialogue that chronicles the demise of Socrates. The artwork is a testament to Roman's masterful craftsmanship and storytelling ability. Cato the Younger did not succumb immediately to the mortal wound; instead, he struggled and fell off the bed, causing a commotion that alerted his servants. His son and closest friends rushed into the room, where they were met with a ghastly sight: Cato lying in a pool of blood, his internal organs exposed, yet still conscious and able to gaze at them in agony. The physician attempted to intervene, but Cato, regaining his composure, repelled the doctor's efforts. With incredible resolve, he extracted his own bowels and tore open the wound, ending his life with dignity. Upon hearing of Cato's demise in Utica, Julius Caesar remarked, "Cato, I begrudge your death, as you would have begrudged me the preservation of your life." This poignant quote underscores the complex and tumultuous relationship between these two legendary figures. This extraordinary sculpture is part of the "Scan The World" initiative, a groundbreaking project launched by MyMiniFactory to create a comprehensive digital archive of 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe. Scan the World is an open-source community effort that invites anyone with interesting artifacts to contribute to this noble endeavor by emailing stw@myminifactory.com.