This Date in Art

The discovery of a foot of a marble sculpture of Marcus Aurelius in Southern Turkey provides us with a valuable piece of historical context. Marcus Aurelius, born in 121 AD, was a prominent figure in ancient Roman history. He is best known for his role as the Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, during a period known as the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace. Marcus Aurelius was not only a military leader but also a renowned scholar, making significant contributions to philosophy and intellectual pursuits. He was deeply influenced by Stoicism, a philosophical school that emphasized virtue, reason, and acceptance of fate. Marcus Aurelius is particularly famous for his collection of philosophical writings known as "Meditations," in which he reflects on various aspects of life, ethics, and personal growth. During his reign, Marcus Aurelius faced numerous challenges, including military campaigns against invading Germanic tribes, such as the Marcomanni and the Quadi. Despite his commitments as an emperor, he continued to engage in intellectual pursuits, often writing and contemplating while on military campaigns. The unearthed foot of the marble sculpture of Marcus Aurelius highlights the significance and influence of his reign, as well as his intellectual legacy. It serves as a reminder of his multidimensional persona as both a military leader and a scholar. The sculpture itself is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the time, providing us with a tangible connection to the past and allowing us to appreciate the cultural and historical richness of the Roman Empire.

Princess Diana shook hands with an AIDS patient without gloves in 1991. At the time, this act was groundbreaking because many people didn't fully understand how AIDS was spread. Consequently, those with the disease often had to spend time alone in AIDS wards. Diana visited several of these wards to meet the patients. Regarding her feelings towards the patients, she expressed, "I had always wanted to hug people in hospital beds." She recounted a particular incident to Morton, saying, "This particular man who was so ill started crying when I sat on his bed, and he held my hand. I thought, 'Diana, do it, just do it,' and I gave him an enormous hug. It was so touching because he clung to me and cried."

A 7000-6000 year old burial of a young woman (aged around 20 when she died) and her newborn baby was found in Vedbaek, Denmark. This grave tells a tragic but curious story of a young woman and her newborn baby. The woman, who is thought to have been 20 years old at the time of her death, is believed to have passed away during the birth of her child, in which the baby did not survive. What makes this burial particularly intriguing is the presence of 200 red deer teeth placed by the woman's head and the newborn cradled in a swan's wing with a flint knife set at its hip. The presence of animal parts suggests that the people in this area greatly appreciated nature. It shows that the people at this time used different essentials available in their environment to perform rituals or to create art.