The body is a Roman copy of a Hellenic original from around 270 B.C.E. which may represent a philosopher of the Epicurean school. The head is a Baroque copy of the type known as pseudo-Seneca. It is mentioned for the first time in the collection of Christine of Sweden, where it already appears as a restored effigy of Seneca, and it does not seem to have been altered in any noticeable manner since then. The identification of this work with Seneca seems to have been widespread until the 19th century, when critics cast doubt on its traditional assignment.

The model of the statuette, which is very similar in style to those of Epicurus and Metrodorus, was sculpted at the same time as these, following Epicurus´s death (271/270 B.C.E.). Around 150 A. D. its owner, probably an Epicurean, placed it in his library or lararium.