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拍品專文
This ringstone is engraved with the imposing bust of the philosopher Epicurus in profile, with his characteristic large, curved nose, long beard, deep-set eyes and wearing a himation over his shoulders.
Born in 341 B.C., probably in Samos, Epicurus studied and taught philosophy across the Greek world before establishing his school in Athens. For 36 years, he lived, studied and wrote there, isolated from the outside world except for his students and his scholarship. Both his work and his appearance were recognised throughout Roman times. As Cicero notes, his friend Titus Pomponius Atticus "could not forget Epicurus even if he wanted; the members of our body not only have pictures of him, but even have his likeness on their drinking cups and rings," (De finibus bonorum et malorum, V,i,3).
Portraits of the philosopher occur on several engraved gems dating to the Roman period, thus confirming Cicero's statement that his followers wore likenesses of their master on their rings as a show of reverence and love towards him. For a similar portrait, see a red jasper ringstone at the British Museum, Inv. no. 1867,0507.458.
Born in 341 B.C., probably in Samos, Epicurus studied and taught philosophy across the Greek world before establishing his school in Athens. For 36 years, he lived, studied and wrote there, isolated from the outside world except for his students and his scholarship. Both his work and his appearance were recognised throughout Roman times. As Cicero notes, his friend Titus Pomponius Atticus "could not forget Epicurus even if he wanted; the members of our body not only have pictures of him, but even have his likeness on their drinking cups and rings," (De finibus bonorum et malorum, V,i,3).
Portraits of the philosopher occur on several engraved gems dating to the Roman period, thus confirming Cicero's statement that his followers wore likenesses of their master on their rings as a show of reverence and love towards him. For a similar portrait, see a red jasper ringstone at the British Museum, Inv. no. 1867,0507.458.