A BRONZE EQUESTRIAN GROUP OF MARCUS AURELIUS

The reason for the commission of the monumental antique group in around 161-180 AD is unknown, but the youthful look of Marcus Aurelius's (121-80 AD) face suggests it was intended to celebrate an early victory in his career, possibly the war against the Parthians circa 161-166 AD. While some life-size aftercasts were taken from the original bronze, the most common reproductions of this model are in small-scale and derive from the late 16th to 18th centuries.

For a brief discussion on Marcus Aurelius's life see also the note to lot 177.