Is it just me or does he look a little like Elvis? I am ashamed to say that I have no useful context for this picture. It’s a close up of a relief on a larger piece at the Cleveland Museum of Art. I snapped the picture because he resembled the King of Rock and Roll but didn’t think to photograph the card that talks about it. Luckily, Google Image Search came to the rescue with a few basic details.
It’s from a sarcophagus made of Greek marble. Did you know that sarcophagus is the Greek word for “flesh-eating” and is now used generically for coffin?
Note the somewhat curled lip and sort of pompadour hairstyle. He looks very Elvis-like to me and as though he could break out into a rousing chorus of Burning Love any minute now. This piece is magnificent in detail and massive in size. It’s certainly a focal point in the museum’s Roman room. I guess you could say it’s the rockstar of the Romans.
Speaking of Elvis Presley, he died on this day in 1977. Incidentally, it was the day my parents brought me home from the hospital. I have always enjoyed his music and the shock waves he sent through pop culture across the world. The ‘68 Comeback special was my favorite era but I also really liked his early music and style before Colonel Tom Parker got ahold of him.
If you’ve never been to his Memphis home, Graceland, it’s worth a visit even if you aren’t an Elvis fan. It ain’t the Cleveland Museum of Art but it’s a fun little slice of the extravagant, over-the-top life of one our most famous people.
He totally does! We haven’t been to Memphis yet, but we’ll get there eventually.
I loved Memphis! So much history and music!
Very nice
The statue does look like Elvis! Thanks for the smile!
I’m glad you see it too!
You write so DAMN well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Jerry!!!
I definitely see the Elvis in it!!! I went to Graceland sometime in the 1980s and loved it!!!
Cool! I was there about ten years ago and had a great time!
I can totally see that!
I’m glad you see it too!!
Ha! This really does look like Elvis. Now I’m going to be humming Elvis tunes for the rest of the day, which isn’t a bad way to spend a summer afternoon.
Remember “Pocket Full of Rainbows” from GI Blues? Yeah… that’s the one that’s been on repeat in my head for a few days. lol. Enjoy!!
Ha! That’s a great one, actually.
Agreed. Sadly, most people don’t even remember it.