Double Herm with Socrates and Seneca at the Pergamonmuseum, Berlin

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The Double Herm of Socrates and Seneca, an ancient Roman statue from around 150-250 AD, showcases the combined image of two influential philosophers. On one side, it depicts the Greek philosopher Socrates, while the other side features the Roman Stoic Seneca the Younger. Currently housed at the Antikensammlung Berlin in the Pergamonmuseum, this statue is a remarkable example of ancient art. The herm, a combination of two heads joined together at the back, is a unique feature of this statue. Both Socrates and Seneca are dressed in traditional philosopher attire, with their chests forming the shape of a herm. A cloak covers each man's left shoulder, while Socrates also wears an undershirt underneath. The bearded Socrates has a distinctive satyr-like appearance, consistent with literary descriptions and other depictions. In contrast, Seneca is shown as clean-shaven with a receding hairline. His small mouth is tightly pursed, adding to the stoic demeanor. It's speculated that this depiction of Seneca was inspired by a work created between 50-60 AD, within his lifetime. Double herms were a common statue type in ancient art, often displayed in public rooms in Greece and private spaces in Rome. The combination of Socrates and Seneca on this particular herm may be attributed to the personal preferences of its commissioner, who chose these two philosophers for their compelling stories. Both men were forced to commit suicide under different circumstances, which may have influenced the selection process. This parallel presentation is a common theme in art and literature, as seen in Plutarch's Parallel Lives.