Considering the two images of the bust of Commodus as Hercules (191-92 A.D.) and the head of Caracalla (217-230 A.D.) there is much to be said about the rulers depicted and the Roman style of sculptures during this time. Starting with Commodus we can see a very serious facial expression and a naturalized body style. His head bears a lion’s mane, which is a symbol for power, indicating a sense of propaganda used in his depiction of himself. He is using the symbol of power as a way to show that he himself has power. It is especially true of that idea because he is wearing this mane on his head, as if it was a real lion and he conquered it and cut its head off to wear as a hat. His body is a very classical style, like that of the Greek sculptures. There is also a small statue beneath him that could be a representation of a God, again stressing his ability as a strong leader. The fact that he is made out of marble shows wealth and that is also a propaganda representation of a leader to show that he is wealthy.
The second sculpture of the Head of Caracalla shows a more verism style of sculpture. This head most likely was one of a Patrician class citizen who was trying to stress the fact that he was part of that class and came from a lineage of Patricians. His face shows many lines and a few wrinkles in his forehead, which meant that he was older. He may not be as elderly as some depictions, but he certainly shows age when compared to the Greek Kritios boy sculpture. His face is carved very realistically, which shows us that he wanted to be identified and not idealized like many Greek sculptures. The idea of showing age shows that a person has knowledge and wisdom, which is the type of propaganda this man was probably trying to get across. His head is also made of marble, which can show wealth, especially since the Romans were starting to decline and wealth was not easily come by. This sculpture probably had more of a political and senate function, as he was most likely part of the Patrician class.
These two sculptures have the same function, which was to serve as propaganda to the people, but each in a different way. Commodus probably wanted to propagate that he was a powerful leader and strong and wealthy person; whereas Caracalla just wanted to show that he was wise and part of the Patrician elite class. They both have the same medium, but are sculpted very differently. The first is idealized like the style of Greek sculpture and the second is more realistic and shows the style of verism. I think that it is harder to identify propaganda with Caracalla’s head sculpture because it just seems like a realistic carving of a face, nothing more. But when you think about the ideals of knowledge and wisdom you see that that is what can be indentified in his face. With Commodus it is easier to spot that because of the lion and his style of sculpting, but they both exert the same level of propaganda, only for different things.
I like that you talked about things I didn't consider like mentioning how the lion is symbolic of power, reminiscent of the past using lions as same symbolism, and including the act of conquering it or relating Caracalla's bust to the Patrician class. I remember learning this, but I didn't consider it in my post! I'm glad to be reminded of this, because you also did a good job in discussing propaganda and how it related to these two sculptures!
ReplyDeleteCaracalla's head sculpture looks very powerful to me. I know it only has a facial expression and nothing else major carved on him to show that he was a ruler. But I still believe that the expression has so much detail in it and portrays a lot of wisdom and knowledge, which only seems to be fit for a king and not just any other man living in Rome. Commodus's sculpture on the other hand, does not look too wise. It just looks like it belongs to a man of a higher class, not necessarily a ruler. But that's just my opinion:) Great post!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. Having a new idea to consider how one man could use this form of advertising to hid who he is and another to support his ideal self. By leaving his appearance realistic but not associated with the ruling elite Caracalla seems to be less than he really is. I like this about his bust simple and clear very nice.
ReplyDeleteCommodus is working hard to show how powerful he is. I have the strength, the wealth, and the support of the gods. Who are you to question my authority!
I agree with both of them, I didn't think about the symbolism behind all the small details of the busts,
ReplyDeleteAnd that The facial expressions seem to relate both of the men to who they were, and their knowledge.