Statue of Marcus Aurelius

The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, created in the 180s, is a bronze ancient Roman statue. Originally a gilded statue of Aurelius was erected on the slope of the Capitol opposite the Roman Forum. The sculpture is the only one that has survived from antiquity.

In the statue, exceeding life size twice, Marcus Aurelius is depicted in a soldier's cloak over a tunic. The statue is very simple in its design and composition. Marcus Aurelius is depicted here not only as a majestic emperor who defeated enemies, but also as a philosopher-thinker. Aurelius' face is individual, with protruding cheekbones and convex eyes. His head is slightly tilted forward and his lips are tightly compressed. The eyes of the emperor, as in his other portraits, are half covered by the upper eyelids.