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This book explores the provenance of the so-called Berkeley Herm of Plato, a sculptural portrait that Stephen G. Miller first encountered over thirty years ago in a university storage basement. The head, languishing since its arrival in 1902, had become detached from the body, or herm, and had been labeled a fake. In 2002, while preparing another book, Miller--now an experienced archaeologist--needed an illustration of Plato, remembered this piece, and took another look. The marble, he recognized immediately, was from the Greek islands, the inscription appeared ancient, and the ribbons visible on the head were typical of those in Greek athletic scenes. The Berkeley Plato, rich in scientific, archaeological, and historical detail, tells the fascinating story of how Miller was able to authenticate this long-dismissed treasure. His conclusion, that it is an ancient Roman copy possibly dating from the time of Hadrian, is further supported by art conservation scientist John Twilley, whose essay appears as an appendix. Miller's discovery makes a significant contribution to the worlds of art history, philosophy, archaeology, and sports history and will serve as a starting point for new research in the back rooms of museums.
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The Joan Palevsky
Imprint in Classical Literature
In honor of beloved Virgil— “O degli altri poeti onore e lume . . .” —Dante, Inferno
The publisher gratefully acknowledges the generous contribution to this book provided by the Classical Literature Endowment Fund of the University of California Press Foundation, which is supported by a major gift from Joan Palevsky. The publisher also gratefully acknowledges the generous contribution to this book provided by Patricia H. McNear.
The Berkeley Plato
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The Berkeley Plato From Neglected Relic to Ancient Treasure an archaeological detective story
Stephen G. Miller With an appendix by John Twilley
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS Berkeley
Los Angeles
London
University of California Press, one of the most distinguished university presses in the United States, enriches lives around the world by advancing scholarship in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Its activities are supported by the UC Press Foundation and by philanthropic contributions from individuals and institutions. For more information, visit www.ucpress.edu. University of California Press Berkeley and Los Angeles, California University of California Press, Ltd. London, England © 2009 by The Regents of the University of California Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Miller, Stephen G. (Stephen Gaylord), 1942–. The Berkeley Plato : from neglected relic to ancient treasure : an archaeological detective story / Stephen G. Miller ; with an appendix by John Twilley. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. isbn 978-0-520-25833-4 (cloth, alk. paper) 1. Plato—Portraits. 2. Hermae. 3. Inscriptions, Greek. 4. Portrait sculpture, Classical—Italy—Tivoli. 5. Portrait sculpture, Classical—California—Berkeley. 6. Classical antiquities—Conservation and restoration— California—Berkeley—History—20th century. 7. Phoebe Apperson Hearst Museum of Anthropology—History— 20th century. I. Title. N7587.P6M55
2009
733'.3-dc22
2009018650
Manufactured in the United States of America 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of ansi/niso z39.48-1992 (r 1997) (Permanence of Paper).
CONTENTS
List of Illustrations vii Preface and Acknowledgments xiii History of Acquisition and the First Century in California 1 Description of the Artifact 5 Pertinence of the Head 9 The Inscription 12 The Seven Sages 16 The Tivoli Plato 25