| Date | Early 2nd century AD (original), early 20th century (plaster cast) |
|---|---|
| Object type | plaster cast |
| Medium, technique | plaster |
| Dimensions | 58,5 x 28,5 x 35 cm |
| Inventory number | Ag.42 |
| Collection | Classical Antiquites - Plaster casts |
| On view | Star Fortress (Komárom), Portraits of Great Men, Gallery X |
As the Greek name engraved on it suggests, the bust represents Pericles (ca. 495—429 BC), the outstanding leader of Athenian democracy, who ruled the polis for about four decades. He wears a Corinthian helmet pushed back high on his forehead — the portrait thus depicts the statesman as a general. He bears no individual features, which mediates the message that Pericles is “one of us”. The piece in London was made in the Roman Imperial period after a statue created by Kresilas around 440 BC. The memory of Pericles was perpetuated by other ancient portraits as well.
Hekler, Antal, Az antik gipszgyűjtemény I-II., Budapest, 1919-1920, 1923, no. no. 149.
This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.
