THE FACE THAT LAUNCHED A THOUSAND PHILOSOPHIES. A fifth-century B.C. Classical philosopher, Socrates has long been considered one of the founders of Western philosophy. Over the years, a bald head, beard and flat nose became iconic features for depicting Socrates, as can be seen in this marble bust from the Museo Pio Clementino at the Vatican. The similarity to the figure in the Pompeian painting is so striking that he must be Socrates.