#epikouros

Head (Pentelic marble) of the philosopher Epicurus. Artist unknown; 2nd cent. CE copy after a lost Greek original of the early 3rd cent. BCE. Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Σεπτέμβριος 2020

Born on the island of Samos in 341 B.C., Epikouros spent most of his life in Athens, where he founded the Kepos (Garden), one of the most influential philosophical schools of the Hellenistic age, and where he lived until his death in 271 B.C.  Epikouros must have been honoured by a portrait statue made late in his lifetime or soon after his death.  The esteem in which his teachings were held is shown by the numerous Roman copies, including a bust and a herm still bearing the inscriptions identifying him, that produce the same original.  From other copies, we know that the original statue, which was probably first set up in the Kepos to honor Epikouros, represented him seated calmly and classically composed on an elaborate chair.

- Epikūras (Ἐπίκουρος, Epikouros) -

Marble head of Epikouros, 2nd century A.D. Roman copy of Greek original from the 1st half of the 3rd century B.C.  

Epikouros Greek philosopher