Marble Head of Epikourus at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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Epikouros was born on the island of Samos in 341 B.C. He spent most of his life in Athens where he founded the Kepos, one of the most influential philosophical schools of the Hellenistic age. Epikouros lived in Athens until his death in 271 B.C. His teachings must have been honored with a portrait statue made late in his lifetime or soon after his death. The esteem in which his teachings were held is shown by numerous Roman copies, including a bust and a herm that reproduce the same original. From other copies we know that the original statue represented Epikouros seated calmly on an elaborate chair.