Mark Zuckerberg, the tech mogul behind Facebook, recently expressed his admiration for his wife, Priscilla Chan, by commissioning a massive sculpture of her likeness. Zuckerberg took to Instagram to share a photo of Chan standing next to the sculpture, which features a wind-blown silver garment resembling angel wings. The sculpture, created by renowned artist Daniel Arsham, is made of crystal and volcanic ash, similar to one of Arsham’s previous works.
Zuckerberg revealed that he had joked about making a sculpture of his wife for years and finally decided to do it when the opportunity arose to work with Arsham. The photo of the sculpture has garnered over 170k likes on Instagram, with many people applauding Zuckerberg for the thoughtful gift. Some users even joked that husbands everywhere are now feeling the pressure to match this level of creativity and sentimentality.
The tradition of sculpting women, particularly wives, has its roots in ancient Rome. The Romans believed in the concept of “pietas,” which emphasized duty, loyalty, and devotion to family, the gods, and the state. Sculptures of wives were seen as representations of these virtues, showcasing their moral integrity, fertility, and loyalty to their husbands and families. The wealthiest families in Rome could afford to commission these statues, highlighting qualities that were highly valued in Roman society, such as virtue, modesty, and physical beauty.
The price of the sculpture remains a secret between Zuckerberg and Arsham, but it is undoubtedly a testament to the love and admiration Zuckerberg has for his wife. The couple first met at a college party while attending Harvard in 2003 and got married in 2012. They have three children together.
In addition to the sculpture, Zuckerberg and Chan were recently seen gushing over a luxury watch during a pre-wedding party for Indian billionaire Anant Ambani. The couple attended the opulent event, which was attended by over 1,000 global billionaires, heads of state, and A-list celebrities. Chan was particularly fascinated by Ambani’s $1 million watch made by Richard Mille.
Overall, Zuckerberg’s gesture of commissioning a sculpture of his wife not only showcases his admiration for her but also ties into a long-standing tradition in Roman culture. The sculpture serves as a symbol of their love and devotion and highlights the importance of celebrating and appreciating one’s partner.
