“`html
public-officials-is-disrupting-american-democracy/” title=”A surge in violent threats against US public officials is disrupting American democracy”>wife Priscilla Chan inspired by Roman art. The internet responds positively.”>
Mark Zuckerberg’s Artistic Gesture: A Modern Tribute to His Wife
It seems that Mark Zuckerberg has aspirations reminiscent of a Roman emperor.
The CEO of Meta has recently unveiled a striking sculpture dedicated to his spouse, Priscilla Chan. In an Instagram post, he expressed his desire to revive the ancient tradition of crafting statues in honor of one’s partner.
A Closer Look at the Statue
This remarkable piece, created by artist Daniel Arsham, depicts Chan mid-stride adorned in emerald green alongside a flowing silver cloak. While beautiful, its design does not truly align with traditional Roman artistic styles. The Romans were known for their numerous representations of pietas—often depicted on coins during Augustus’s reign (which serves as Zuckerberg’s historical model). However, these images typically represented public virtues and familial pride rather than romantic dedications.
Augustus himself is not noted for commissioning many private sculptures featuring Livia Drusilla; instead, he focused on promoting ideals connected to leadership and legacy through public monuments and family-oriented works rather than personal relationships.
The Internet’s Reaction to the Sculpture
Looking past Zuckerberg’s somewhat eccentric aspiration to “reintroduce ancient customs,” it begs the question: what does the public think?
Priscilla Chan humorously remarked with enthusiasm about having more depictions around her (“The more of me, the better?”), indicating her approval. Surprisingly enough, many users across social platforms have also responded positively.
Leah Greenberg from Indivisible Team commented on X (formerly Twitter), expressing that while she’s not a fan of Zuckerberg for various reasons, she finds humor in billionaires grappling with their lives while he creates tributes like this one—an amusing contrast amid other recent billionaire debacles.
An additional user defended him with sentimentality stating simply that it’s what any billionaire ought to do for their spouse—a remark that illustrates how people’s feelings towards him can be complex despite his controversial image.
A Discussion on ‘Wife Guy Culture’
This incident has drawn attention from some people labeling it as quintessential ‘Wife Guy behavior.’ However, true ‘Wife Guy efforts are typically characterized by acts genuinely centered around one’s partner—this sculpture exemplifies more interest in showcasing Zuckerberg instead. Mashable editor Tim Marcin even referred to it as “Wife Guy stolen valor.”
Mark Zuckerberg aims for Augustus Caesar vibes—is he even close?
Source
“`
