The portrait of a Roman aristocrat

The portrait of a Roman aristocrat

The portrait is of a Roman aristocrat; the features of the portrait have been exaggerated and are meant to convey a message. The subject in the portrait wears the marks of his duties, from a wrinkled face, sagging jowls, and strong, cheekbones. This type of representation was a useful tool for the Romans during their reign and competition in the socio-political environment.

The portrait

This portrait comes from Otricoli (ancient Ocriculum), and it dates to the middle of the 1st century B.C.E. The individual in the portrait is not known, but the representation if of an influential aristocrat. Judgment from the traits of the portrait depicts a veristic style of Roman portraiture. The sagging jowls characterize the head of the portrait, furrowed brow deep wrinkles all this affirms there style.

Verism

This is a style in sculpturing where the natural features are exaggerated to the point of absurdity, also known as hyperrealism. This kind of stylistic trend was influenced by respect for tradition, family, and ancestry. Among the traditions were ancestral imagines, which are the death marks of an important ancestor that were retained and exhibited by the family members. In the aristocratic families, they used wax masks in funerals where an actor can portray the deceased ancestors in a kind of ancestral parade (Polybius History 6.53.54). This ancestral cult deeply connected the family.

In my view, this portrait is a good piece of art; it gives all the aspects of the roman culture and tradition and the strong familial connection they have. Consequently, Aristotles are deeply cultured and have a strong respect for the elderly as they are earnest in their endeavors and keenly execute them.

In response to John’s selected portrait, Augustus of Primaporta ca. 20 B.C.E. 7’he points out the culture of conquering and expansion, which is very subjective as it politically allowed dominance of dictatorship. In his view, the art is made for political reasons and a show of might. I don’t entirely believe it is right. In my opinion, the portrait is on leadership and show of authority but still keeping in mind the sanctity of religion.

References

34. Jackson, “Verism and the Ancestral Portrait,” Greece & Rome 34.1 (1987):32-47.
35. Tanner, “Portraits, Power, and Patronage in the Late Roman Republic,” Journal of Roman Studies 90 (2000), pp. 18-50.