Question

The Greeks were infatuated with the notion of the ideal male/female figure, however, what did the Roman Republicans celebrate? How are these traits reflected in Portraiture?

Answer 1

While the Greeks focused on the idealized male and female figures in their art, the Roman Republicans celebrated different qualities in their portraiture. The Romans placed emphasis on the portrayal of individual characteristics and achievements rather than adhering to strict ideals of physical beauty.

In Roman Republican portraiture, the traits that were celebrated included:

1. Verism: Verism refers to the realistic depiction of facial features, including wrinkles, lines, and imperfections. Roman portraits aimed to capture the individuality and unique characteristics of the subject, reflecting their age, experience, and personality. Verism was a way to honor and represent the wisdom and authority of the subject.

2. Stoicism: Stoicism was highly valued in Roman society, and it influenced the portrayal of individuals in portraiture. Stoicism emphasized self-control, strength of character, and resilience in the face of challenges. Roman Republican portraits often depicted subjects with a composed and serious expression, conveying their stoic nature and sense of moral virtue.

3. Achievements and Status: Roman Republican portraiture also celebrated the accomplishments and social status of the individuals depicted. Portraits of politicians, military leaders, and other influential figures often included symbols or attributes associated with their achievements. These could include laurel wreaths for military victories, scroll or book for scholars, or other objects that represented their accomplishments.

4. Patrician Values: Portraits of Roman Republicans reflected the values of the patrician class, who held political power and influence. These values included a sense of authority, nobility, and dignified bearing. Portraits often depicted subjects with an air of confidence and self-assurance, emphasizing their social standing and elite status.

Overall, Roman Republican portraiture focused on capturing the individuality, achievements, and virtues of the subjects. It was less concerned with the idealized physical form and more interested in representing the unique qualities and social status of the individuals portrayed.

Answer 2

Roman Republic celebrated veristic portraiture, characterized by hyper-realistic facial characteristics borrowed from Hellenistic Greece while idealizing the bodies. The style originated from Hellenistic Greece; however, its use in the Roman Republic is due to Roman values, customs, and political life.

Step-by-step explanation:

Roman portraiture during the Republic is identified by its considerable realism, known as veristic portraiture. Verism refers to a hyper-realistic portrayal of the subject's facial characteristics. The style originated from Hellenistic Greece; however, its use in the Roman Republic is due to Roman values, customs, and political life. While the faces of the portraits often display incredible detail and likeness, the subjects' bodies are idealized and do not correspond to the age shown in the face.