Final answer:
In the veristic style of portraiture, individuals were shown as they really were with hyper-realistic detail in the face, while the body might remain idealized. The highly detailed facial features helped with the recognition of authorities and served as reminders of ancestors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Those whose portraits were made in the veristic style were shown as they really were, which is the primary characteristic of veristic portraiture during the Roman Republic. This hyper-realistic portrayal was distinct for representing the individual's facial features with meticulous detail, including aspects such as receding hairlines, deep wrinkles, and even warts. While the faces in these portraits were depicted with great accuracy, the bodies often remained idealized, indicating a certain level of artistic license to present a more universally accepted form of physical beauty.
The usage of veristic portraiture served a social and political purpose, providing a means to remember distinguished ancestors and to display a person's power, wisdom, and experience. It was particularly important for conveying authority among generals and elected officials, as veristic portrait busts would be recognized by the public in forums or other public spaces.