An oak roundel, part of a series of carvings that decorated the ceiling of the King's Presence Chamber at Stirling Castle. This Head bears a striking resemblance to Classical portrayals of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Often described as the ultimate virtuous Roman, he was viewed as the ‘perfect prince’. Associated with good government and the subsequent peace and prosperity it brings, Marcus Aurelius was a role model whom James V would be keen to adopt. The Stirling Heads are constructed of three panels, originally only secured by glue. The great majority of the Heads, however, are in part constructed in 2-–ply, an additional board or block having been placed over the middle board to enable the carver to model the central portion of the medallion in high relief.