Double Herm of Socrates and Seneca

The Double Herm of Socrates and Seneca is an ancient Roman statue from the first half of the third century AD.

The herm depicts the Greek philosopher Socrates on one side, and the Roman Stoic Seneca the Younger on the other.

Both men have the usual cloak of a philosopher or orator above their left shoulder, although Socrates also wears an undershirt.

It is speculated that the depiction of Seneca derives from a work created between AD 50 and 60—within the lifetime of the philosopher.

While in Greece they were displayed in public rooms, in the Roman Empire they were shown in private spaces.

View of Socrates and the herms at the former location in the Pergamonmuseum