Episteme Kelsou
2. Jh. n. Chr.
A Roman portrait statue type with an artfully draped robe that was originally pulled over the head was repurposed as a personification of Celsus’ episteme, i.e. the understanding based on knowledge obtained from the books in the library. Note that the four personifications chosen to decorate the façade of the Library of Celsus depict not only human characteristics but also ancient philosophical ideas.
A Roman portrait statue type with an artfully draped robe that was originally pulled over the head was repurposed as a personification of Celsus’ episteme, i.e. the understanding based on knowledge obtained from the books in the library. Note that the four personifications chosen to decorate the façade of the Library of Celsus depict not only human characteristics but also ancient philosophical ideas.
Time:
2. Jh. n. Chr.
Object Name
Statue
Culture
Römisch
Location of discovery:
Ephesos Celsusbibliothek Umgebung (Selçuk, Kleinasien, Türkei)
Material/technology:
Marmor
Dimensions:
L/H 180,5 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Antikensammlung
Invs.
Antikensammlung, I 881
Provenance
Sultan, Abdul, Hamid, II.; Österreichische Ausgrabungen in Ephesos; Geschenk an Kaiser Franz Joseph; 1911 nachträglich inventarisiert