Skip to main content
Service phase: Beta

This is a new way to search our records, which we're still working on. Alternatively you can search our existing catalogue, Discovery.

File

Called Claudius Galen A.D. 130-200

Catalogue reference: Portrait/X175

What’s it about?

This record is a file about the Called Claudius Galen A.D. 130-200.

Is it available online?

Maybe, but not on The National Archives website. This record is held at Royal College of Physicians of London.

Can I see it in person?

Not at The National Archives, but you may be able to view it in person at Royal College of Physicians of London.

Full description and record details

Reference

Portrait/X175

Title

Called Claudius Galen A.D. 130-200

Description

Turned slightly to his right; the eyes not incised; close-curling hair, clean-shaven face; furrowed forehead, double chin, his throat bare.

Engraved in 1840 by W. Skelton

Held by
Royal College of Physicians of London
Language

English

Immediate source of acquisition

Presented in 1835 by Lord Ashburton

Physical condition

Marble head, 17 inches high, mounted on a separate circular socle which is inscribed: GALEN

Administrative / biographical background

It is apparently a modern copy, perhaps of the late eighteenth century. The original, on which it is rather freely based, is a remarkable and famous head in the Vatican, Roman work probably of the late Republican era. Apart from the modern inscription on the socle of the College version, there seems to be no reason for associating this type of portrait with Galen: the original is unidentified and anyway too early in date for Galen.

Publication note(s)
<span class="wrapper"><p>Annals, 30 September 1835; 1864 Catalogue, p. 24; Roll, III, 403; 1900 List; 1926 Catalogue; the head in the Vatican has been frequently reproduced, e.g. in A. Hekler, Greek and Roman Portraits, 1912, pl. 151; F. Bruckmann, Griechische und Römische Porträts, Munich, 1891 et seq., pp. 427-30, has a list of versions of this bust</p></span>
Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/d910c582-60f0-43a5-907d-9784e7556787/

Catalogue hierarchy

10,506 records

This record is held at Royal College of Physicians of London

243 records

Within the fonds: Portrait

PORTRAITS

You are currently looking at the file: Portrait/X175

Called Claudius Galen A.D. 130-200