Week 3: Jan. 21, 2024

Roman Gentleman, Probably found in or near Rome, About 120 C.E., Marble

Listen closely…

As I walked through the ancient art exhibit, this man spoke to me. He didn’t actually speak, but I laughed when that phrase went through my mind because one of the reasons I stared at him for such a long time was that there in the midst of all the Roman Emperors, soldiers, gods, mythical creatures, and flawless young women, was a grouchy old man who seemed to have a lot to say. He was wrinkled, with sagging jowls and a furrowed brow. He was lost in thought or perhaps composing a letter. He clearly had something to say.

And as I looked around the room at his company, it was also clear that no one was going to listen. They would fight their battles or carouse with Bachus or sit in their tomb to be honored and adored, but no one would listen to the old man with sagging jowls and furrowed brow.