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Sculptural portrait of Philip the Arab
C. mid-3rd century
Marble; h 72.3 cm
This emperor was called Philip the Arab for his
Arabian origin. He seized power in 244, having by
bribery and cunning set the legions against his
predecessor. Yet cruelty and perfidy were combined
with courage and resolution in Philip's character. This
bust is a brilliant example of Roman portrait sculpture,
with its accurate presentation of psychological
characteristics and its expressiveness. The
generalized, somewhat rough and heavy features of
the face are energetically executed. The master used
sparse, simple means in creating this portrait. The hair
and beard surface are worked with short incisions.
Avoiding those methods of treating marble which
produced purely external, showy effects, the author
nonetheless managed to create a hearty portrait of
the 'emperor-soldier' which reveals all the force of his
personality.
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