Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has once again captured the internet’s attention, but this time it’s for a heartwarming reason. The tech mogul recently went viral after unveiling a grand gesture of admiration for his wife, Priscilla Chan—a giant statue of her installed in their garden, inspired by Roman tradition.
Zuckerberg revives the Roman tradition
“Bringing back the Roman tradition of making sculptures of your wife,” Zuckerberg wrote in an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, August 13. The post featured an image of his 39-year-old wife, Priscilla Chan, standing beside the towering turquoise statue that now graces their garden. Zuckerberg revealed that the sculpture was created by world-renowned sculptor and artist Daniel Arsham. “I’ve joked about making a sculpture of her for years, and when the opportunity to work with Arsham came up, I finally did it!” Zuckerberg explained in the caption.
Social media reacts to Zuckerberg’s gesture
Zuckerberg’s post quickly went viral, amassing over 200k likes and sparking a wave of admiration from social media users. Many praised the Facebook founder for his thoughtful and unique gift. “Husbands everywhere are shaking,” one Instagram user commented, while another quipped, “Setting the bar high for all the husbands out there, Markiepoo.” Another social media user joked, “Was literally about to get the same thing for my wife. Now I have to pivot.” The gesture was widely appreciated, with one user writing, “I love this appreciation for your wife,” and another adding, “Get yourself a man who makes sculptures of you.”
The Roman tradition of sculptures
The tradition Zuckerberg referenced dates back to ancient Rome, where it was common to commission sculptures of women, particularly wives. According to the Roman Empire Times, this practice was rooted in the Roman ideal of “pietas,” which emphasized duty, loyalty, and devotion to family, the gods, and the state. The sculptures were seen as representations of a woman’s embodiment of these virtues, publicly showcasing her “moral integrity, fertility, and loyalty to her husband and family.”
A love story that began at Harvard
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s relationship began in 2003 when they met at a college party at Harvard University. Nearly a decade later, in May 2012, the couple tied the knot in an intimate outdoor ceremony. Zuckerberg’s recent tribute to his wife has not only highlighted his affection for Chan but has also sparked conversations about the meaningful ways in which people can express their love and appreciation for their partners.