Large bust of Seneca on a pedestal

Dimensions: Total height 194 cm.
Dimensions of bust on pedestal: Height 78 cm; Width 65 cm; Depth 25 cm.

Polychrome marble bust representing Seneca, Roman Stoic philosopher. The bust is a beautiful 17th-century work, made of different polychrome marbles. The workmanship is meticulous and contrasts with the pure white head.

The head is from the 19th century and depicts Seneca, a Stoic statesman, philosopher, and playwright of Imperial Rome, often referred to as “Seneca the Philosopher” or “Seneca the Tragic.” He is recognizable by his very marked and almost eloquent face, of exceptional finesse; an expressive modeling: the high forehead, the carefully rendered beard with small individual waves, and the inward gaze give the work a nobility imbued with reflection. His features are both severe and full of humanity, evoking the figure of the Roman sage, the turmoil of power and destiny. His hair, always depicted in the same way, which can be found in ancient sculptures and drawn portraits, is symbolic of this character and of the great figures of antiquity.

To contrast with the face, carved from white Carrara marble, he is dressed in a garment carved from different colored marbles: black Portor, Giallo Antico, red breccia, and antique green blend together in a sumptuous play of contrasts. This refinement in the choice of materials reflects the Baroque taste for rich materials and the sculptor's virtuoso workmanship.
This is a work of great quality, rare in the richness of its marbles and the depth of its expression. Seneca, a philosopher of the 3rd century BC, advisor to Nero and martyr of philosophy, embodies the ideal of reason triumphing over passion.

This marble bust rests on a gray marble base and is presented on a conical column in two-tone marble with a stepped foot.