Marcus
Aurelius

I created this drawing by applying a technique known as stippling or pointillism. It took a total of 650 hours and millions of tiny dots to complete.

 

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 A.D. He practiced stoicism and many of the things he wrote about are still very relevant today. 

 

The famous statue of Marcus Aurelius on his horse is standing on the shoulder of a much larger statue of himself. He is positioned next to his own ear in a way to speak to himself. The complex geometric shape above his hand is our consciousness and the psychedelic pattern emanating out are the numerous thoughts that we have at each moment in time. 

 

“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” 
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

 

Standing just below Marcus’ horse is Zeno, The founder of stoicism.

Below Zeno is Chrysippus, to the right is Cleanthes, above is Epictetus and on the far left is Seneca. The skeleton is a symbol of ‘Memento mori’, A reminder to meditate on your own mortality as a way to create meaning in life by gaining a sense of urgency. 

 

For information about purchasing the original artwork send me an email. 

To purchase a print click here.