The Enneads

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Porphyry on the Life of Plotinus and the Order of His Books: —

A rectangular decorative woodcut headpiece featuring symmetrical scrolling vine and foliage motifs (rinceau style) with a central circular medallion.

Plotinus, the philosopher who lived in our time, seemed like a man who was ashamed to be in a body. Because of this disposition, he could not bear to talk about his ancestry, his parents, or his birthplace. He so disdained the idea of sitting for a painter or a sculptor that he even said to Amelius Amelius Gentilianus was Plotinus' student and companion for eighteen years., who was begging for a portrait of him to be made: "Is it not enough to carry the image original: "εἴδωλον" with which nature has wrapped us? Must you also ask me to agree to leave behind an image of an image, as if it were some sight worth seeing?" Because he refused, and for another reason Amelius mentioned, Amelius—who was a friend of the philosopher and possessed great skill in the arts—brought in Carterius The most famous painter of the time., who attended the sessions. Because Carterius was a friend, he was allowed to attend the gatherings and study the books. By observing Plotinus and fixing the visual impressions in his mind through constant attendance at the lectures, ..? he was able to capture the likeness. Then, by using his memory to practice his craft, he drew the portrait. And so, by the skill of Amelius, a most life-like image was produced, even though Plotinus was unaware of the artist's work. It captured the greatest likeness of Plotinus, though it perhaps flattered his length ..?

And so in this way he endured it. We do not know if he would have allowed? such attentions to his person in due time. For he never ..? nor did he allow his physical form to be seen ..? while his body was still living. Furthermore, he completely abstained from the use of baths, performing his own ..? as was his custom. But when a disease ..? it happened to those who massaged him that a certain odor ..? but such care was entirely avoided as being unnecessary. Indeed, while he was present, nothing ..? of that sort was apparent. But when it was sent ..? the suffering as if a deep breath ..?