Are there any reasonably reliable descriptions or images of Aristotle?

Question

In a book I recently read, Aristotle was described as clean-shaven, fond of jewelry, and a bit of a fashion plate. That doesn't jibe with any classical sculptures I've ever seen of him, or the personality that comes through from his writings. I realize we probably have no competely accurate descriptions (literary) or sculptures, but I would be interested to know if there are any even quasi-reliable descriptions or images of him.

Answer 1

Aristotle was not a respected Philosopher until he was past middle age, and as a practice of all teachers past middle age, he grew a beard.  Modern college professors do this in fact, it is a sort of "uniform."  Even a bearded sage was once a young man you know; Aristotle was a pupil of Socrates I believe, who scolded him for his hedonistic ways.

It was a classic case of an intelligent but irresponsible young man with great potential wasting it on parties, wine and women, and an older sage decrying the fact that said youth is wasting his life.  Eventually though, an unnamed tragedy which history does not reccord and subject to much speculation, that resulted from his hedonism, caused him to change his ways and become, well, Philosophical.

From what I remember, I could be dead wrong, my memory fails me frequently regarding book facts.

As to any reliable descriptions or images, pretty much all statues or images  you see of him are reliable.  The Greeks were all about realism and copying the human figure, so the sculptures you see or the man are likely pretty accurate although, they were made when Aristotle became a respected scholar AFTER he grew the beard, prior to that he was a typical wealthy Athenian youth.  He enjoyed wine, playing board games with friends, and visiting brothels.

Don't think for a second, that he always practiced what he preached.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

by reading books and by going through other descrition your up setting your own mind just think how aristotle is in your mind and soul that is the real image.

Answer 3

i think it is reasonable to assume that he look like what every other greeks back then.. bearded, and definitely not clean shaven.

http://images.google.com/images?ndsp=20&...