Portrait of Alexander the Great at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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This striking bronze portrait captures Alexander the Great's imposing personality and leadership. Created during the Late Hellenistic to Hadrianic period, around 150 B.C.-A.D. 138, it offers a glimpse into his likeness, replacing the original hollow sculpture. As the most famous portrait in history, it has inspired countless leaders from ancient times to the present day. Alexander the Great cultivated an image that showcased his forceful character and authority. Since no fourth-century B.C. portraits attributed to his official court sculptor, Lysippos, have survived, later sculptures like this monumental bronze provide a glimpse into his appearance. His portrait has been emulated by numerous leaders throughout history, from Hellenistic times to the present. A divine cult centered around Alexander the Great emerged during his lifetime and continued after his death in 323 B.C. He was revered in Greek cities, often alongside his successors, the Hellenistic kings who divided and ruled the vast kingdom he had founded. The cult of Alexander persisted during Roman times, particularly in Macedonia, his homeland, and in Asia Minor, where cities celebrated their origins to his rule. This posthumous portrait, with long "leonine" hair recalling Alexander's divine connection to the hero Herakles, was likely part of a cult statue. By scanning this object, we contribute to Scan The World, a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory that 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 where anyone can participate by sharing their interesting items. If you have unique objects and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help shape this digital archive.