Athena Review Image Archive ™
Autun: House of Greek Authors, Mosaic of Epicurus (2nd c.AD)
Autun: Mosaic of Epicurus (Musee Rolin; photo: Athena Review 2012)
The
House of the Greek Authors on rue de la Grille in Autun had a series of
floor mosaics dating from the late 2nd century AD. Among them were portraits of three Greek writers: the
poet Anacreon (582-485 BC); the philosopher Epicurus (341-270 BC); and
Metrodorus, a 2nd century AD follower of Epicurus.
This
fragmentary mosaic of the bearded Greek philosopher Epicurus is
preserved, along with a selection from his writings. At bottom is the
name EPIKOUROS.
The
Greek text reads: "It is impossible to live pleasantly without living
wisely and honorably and justly; and it is impossible to live wisely
and honorably and justly without living pleasantly" (Kuriai Doxai 5).
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