This is a bronze portrait of Alexander the Great (filled, the original sculpture is hollow) either Greek or Roman and created in the Late Hellenistic to Hadrianic period, ca. 150 B.C.-A.D. 138.

Alexander The Great cultivated a visual image that projected his forceful character and leadership. Since there are no surviving fourth-century B.C. portraits attributed to his official court sculptor, Lysippos, later sculptures such as this monumental bronze provide an idea of his appearance. His portrait became the most famous in history and has been emulated by countless leaders from Hellenistic times to the present.

Divine cult centered around Alexander the Great arose during his lifetime and continued after his death in 323 B.C. He was worshipped in Greek cities, frequently in association with his successors, the Hellenistic kings who divided and rules the vast kingdom he had created. The cult of Alexander continued during Roman times particularly in Macedonia, his homeland, and in Asia Minor, where cities traced their foundations to his rule. This posthumous portrait, with long "leonine" hair recalling Alexander's divine association with the hero Herakles, was probably from a cult statue.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.