Senaca: study on the image of a wise-man

Abstract

This article explores two depictions of Seneca: the pseudo-Seneca and the double bust of Seneca and Socrates, analyzing them in light of Seneca's philosophical texts, particularly his work 'De constantia sapientis.' The pseudo-Seneca, a sculpture erroneously associated with the Roman philosopher for centuries, reflects intense suffering that does not align with the Stoic principles of impassivity and serenity proposed by Seneca in his writings. In contrast, the double bust, discovered in the 19th century, brings together the figures of Socrates and Seneca, highlighting similarities between both as exemplars of the classical sage.