The bust of Commodus as Hercules certainly has a busy style comprised of various patterns, as well as a muscular stature that depicts someone of a strong character. This carving of Commodus is meant to emulate Hercules with strong elements such as the lion’s hide and a weapon. Commodus also has physical features that are presented in a way of verism, which is meant to show intense realism. Commodus’ face does not depict these for the most part, unlike his body where his body can be seen that of human characteristics. You can see a mature muscular build. As it was stated in lecture, Romans had a creative aspect to depict someone in their heritage line, especially if it was a well-known senate, which was someone of an advisory body that lead citizens, or patricians, who were members of a powerful upper class who had political positions and power. It was a way of showing where and whom they came from, and at the same time portrays a type of propaganda. The statement I believe this statue is trying to convey is that Commodus is more powerful than that of Hercules as well as what he represented. He wanted to let people he ruled know that he was going to be identified with Hercules, but at a more forceful, unstoppable and maybe an unfriendly character. When we think of Hercules, we may think of physically powerful, intelligence, wealth, and a prestigious hero. Commodus portrays himself as that of the hero, and much more. Elements that add to the propagandistic statement are the lion’s hide placed on top of his head and wrapped around Commodus chest, the weaponry in his right hand, and golden apples in his left hand. All of these elements were a representation of Hercules. I think some of these propagandistic elements are well understood, such as the lion’s hide and the way they sturdily wrap around him, which can represent the power Commodus holds, as well as something that relates to his character, and the destruction he could possibly do. The weaponry can also represent the destruction as well as protection he had. This too can be meant to show that he was wealthy enough to afford protection, due to his heritage. Commodus’ hair has also caught my attention in that it is full, where this can mean that he is wealthy with money or with other possessions in his life. I believe that this is propagandistic statement is geared to everyone, because of reasons I state below, such that of being jealous of what Hercules had.
The Portrait Head of Caracalla looks to resemble that of a grumpy man that had a lot of life experience or a difficult lifestyle. Throughout the course, we have observed statues with little to no facial expressions which of that resemble what we see today. This Portrait Head of Caracalla has noticeable verism. He has wrinkles on his forehead and lines that are called smiling lines from smiling, and bags under his eyes. His facial hair looks that of a man we would see today. Even though there are no extra elements attached and built into the artwork, I believe that this head is making a propagandistic statement that he is ready for battle, that fighting spirit that can relate to the army. In order to fight a battle and have a chance at winning, he must put on this strong front for his enemies that produces a powerful and meaningful presence, which I believe to be unlike the Commodus of Hercules. I say this due to the physical facial expressions portrayed on both of these statues to an audience. Commodus does not have this strong front like the Portrait Head of Caracalla does. Both are portraying masculine appearances, and strong characteristics of build and personality, but in different ways. I can almost imagine that the Commodus as Hercules portrays an envious and jealous energy, due to what I have stated above, that he alone is not enough for himself to be satisfied. With the Portrait Head of Caracalla, he is there to get a job done, and do what he needs to do without showing off to anyone. After analyzing the Portrait Head of Caracalla, I would have to say that the propagandistic statement is more geared to enemies, rather than everyone, unlike the Commodus as Hercules.
You have some nice thoughts. I would focus on Commodus' portrait as an idealized work of art, as opposed to verism. It's easier to think of verism in connection with the Roman Republican portraits, where every wrinkle and sag is emphasized. In contrast, Commodus wants to emphasize an idealized, perfect, muscular body. Although Commodus might appear older than some of the Greek portraits we studied (like, say, the "Kritios Boy,"), Commodus still is trying to emphasize his strength and perfection.
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I like how descriptive you got in talking about these two sculptures. I feel that, after reading your post, that I could've touched more in my post on some aspects that you seem to easily tackle. I enjoyed the fact that you subtly said that Commodus, "being jealous of what Hercules had." It really does show that he wanted things Hercules was known for. All of the garb and minute details that Commodus bears, we as viewers know that Hercules is known for those and don't we get the sense that perhaps this WAS Hercules? I mean to say that what if someone who would see this sculpture for the first time mistake it AS Hercules and not Commodus? Was that the effect he wanted? It goes to show that imitating someone other than yourself could have consequences (like someone not knowing who Commodus is and what he wants to accomplish with his sculpture.)
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