"Antique Dispositions" by Durs Grünbein is a profound collection of essays that explores antiquity and its influence on the modern world. The author presents compelling portraits of significant figures such as Heiner Müller, Nietzsche, Goethe, and Shakespeare, highlighting their relevance from surprising perspectives. The texts are not only analytical but also creative, as they weave together various genres like reports, narratives, and character studies. Grünbein succeeds in illustrating the connections between antiquity and the present by addressing themes such as the cult of the death mask and the aesthetics of beauty. This collection is an invitation to explore the complex interactions between past and present and to consider the physiognomic traits of individuals. The essays are significant for both literature enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural and historical contexts of antiquity.