https://classicalchopped2.artinterp.org/omeka/files/original/7691373761d1280bfbaabd1068dbeef5.jpg 1baa0a1c09ee36f2277ed5c20726435d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource BM Head of Alexander the Great Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource late 2nd century BC, Hellenistic Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. marble Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 37 cm Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Egypt, Lower Egypt, Nile Delta, Alexandria Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. British Museum Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Unknown Provenance A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource. This is a bust of Alexander III of Greece, more commonly known as Alexander the Great. He was born in 356 BC and is the son of Philip II of Macedon and Olympias. Both of his parents were considered descendants of Greek gods or heroes and thus Alexander has godly ancestors. He was taught by Greek tutors and philosophers including Aristotle. In 334 BC he become the leader of the League of Corinth and he led the army on an extensive campaign throughout Greece, Persia, and Asia Minor. During his campaign he was very successful in battles against the Persians and others becoming well known across Asia Minor and into Egypt as well. One of the legacies of his campaign are the numerous cities named "Alexandria" across the area. He died while on campaign in Babylon when he was only 33 years old. Description An account of the resource Description- This is a bust of Alexander the Great done in the Lysippan style. He has a smooth, youthful face with parted lips and a "melting" glance in the eyes. He has long hair pushed out of his face and up above his forehead in the anastole or cowlick style. Even though we cannot see the rest of his body we can tell that there is a dynamic twist of the head and his gazed is turned upward. While the front of the bust looks mostly clean cut the back does not appear to be completely finished or has been damaged over time. There is no modeling for hair on the back It is believed that the bust may have been attached to a separate body. One can infer that they body was probably a youthful, godlike figure. Significance- This bust is important first and foremost because of the success and power of Alexander the Great. If he had just been another mediocre, or inadequate, leader then there would not be as much emphasis put on his portraits. Portraits of Alexander are also important because he was very concerned with his image and therefore had a team of artists that could depict his likeness, sort of like a PR committee. His sculptor was Lysippos, whose style was copied in this posthumous portrait of Alexander. Alexander wanted to be shown as a divine hero for Greece and all of his portraits show him looking the same way even as he aged. This does not seem that strange to us at first because when we think of portraits today we think of photographs that show someone exactly as they are. However we also see age today and we do not know for sure if these pictures are exactly what Alexander looked like or how he wanted people to think he looked. It is consistent with how he was described in writing from the time period. References A related resource that is referenced, cited, or otherwise pointed to by the described resource. Pollitt, J.J. 1986. Art in the Hellenistic Age, Cambridge. http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?assetId=1612920373&objectId=460442&partId=1 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Nina Cardillo