Roman and Early Christian: Option 1

In ancient times power was the factor rulers needed to acquire in order for them to maintain control over their country and people. Rulers such as Commodus and Caracalla did not have commercials to advertise their power, so sculpture and visual art was utilized in order to convey a message of power and control to their country. This type of propaganda was very effective because stone and marble don’t wear out in a short time, the details showed how powerful and real the rulers looked so the people of that time could feel like their ruler was watching them. Also the rulers used sculptures to emphasize their power to strike fear into their enemies or any opposition. The bust of Commodus as Hercules and the portrait head of Caracalla are examples of propagandistic art.

            The bust of Commodus as Hercules exhibits many ideas and symbols. Hercules was an ancient god to the Romans. He was a symbol of power, courage, strength, victory, and good. The statement Commodus is trying to portray is that he is as courageous, powerful, and strong as Hercules. For example Commodus is wearing the lion skin Hercules wore after he defeated a lion. In one hand he is holding a club and in the other the golden apples Hercules sought after in the Garden of Hesperides. Commodus’s vanity is present in the expression of his body. His body is portrayed in a classical view; the marble well smoothed and polished giving his anatomy an impressive depiction of well proportion in his muscles. His face is very peaceful and serene looking, yet he looks firm and confident in his abilities as a ruler. The ringlets in his hair and beard also show that Commodus was very prideful and cared about his appearance. The portrait head of Caracalla also conveys a message of power, courage, and strength. The only difference is Caracalla is portrayed more aggressive and militaristic than Commodus.

 The portrait of Caracalla is shown more masculine and rugged. His features have deep contrast between light and dark giving the portrait a more intense and dynamic facial expression. The details drilled and carved into Caracalla’s portrait are very bold and deliberate. The viewer can see deep set wrinkles on his forehead, cheeks, and the bridge of his nose. Emphasizing these features gives Caracalla a very serious look. The deep engraving of his eyes expresses his determination and his eyes are very deep set dominating everything else on his face, giving him a more brooding mood. His heavy brow accentuates his eyes, giving a darker shadow to his complexion. His short hair and intense gaze gives hints that he was militaristic in his rule. Caracalla was probably trying to convey fear and aggressiveness to his people and enemies. Based on his militaristic look he probably ran his country with an iron fist. He was determined to run his country his way and he did not tolerate disobedience.

            The bust of Commodus as Hercules looked to me more of a piece that was put in a royal court or plaza where many people can see and admire its features and details. Based on Commodus bust, he was probably a man that wasn’t aggressive towards his people. He cared more about materialistic ideas of how rulers should be. The portrait of Caracalla is more portable since it only exhibits his head. This piece could be remade all over the city, so that all the citizens can see that his rule is strong and well grounded. His enemies can also see this and realize he is not a man that will back down. He is determined to conquer and vanquish his enemies at any cost.