Week 8 Post #7

 Option #1

Option #1: Consider the Bust of Commodus as Hercules (c. 191-92 CE) and

the portrait head of Caracalla (c. 217-230) 

            I believe that both statues evoke a feeling of power, and status. however in the case of the Bust of Commodus as Hercules, he seems to be pushing that idea ahead further than the Portrait head of Caracalla, since Commodus is blatantly comparing his image to the god Hercules, and re-creating himself as the hero of so many tales in that era. I believe it would be comparable in modern times if Barack Obama were to fashion himself into the image of Jesus or even Buddha. He is trying so hard to have the people see him as a deity figure, that he'll replicate it in any way he can. Also, the story of Hercules is well known even to this day, as a hero as strong as a God; fighting his way back into the realm of the Gods. (Mount Olympus) However even if I am recalling the story of Hercules from the Disney movie, the point is the symbolism that he was going for when having his bust made in that form is obvious. Strong, courageous, smart, all in all a great ruler. Also this can be seen in the detailing of the lions skin draped over his head and tied around his shoulders, that he was a strong and wise warrior. In order to have concurred such a feared and revered creature of the area. The amount of detail in the curls of his hair and beard are incredible also. It seems to give him a more youthful and immortal feeling than if they had depicted him balding. Which would be too human and too similar to a common man to work to elevate the people's view's of his superiority.

            In the case of the Portrait head of Caracalla, we don't get as much visual triggers as we do in the first bust, since all that's left of it is the head. The face itself is interesting, its realistic, and is serious. Just the features on their own give the impression of unwavering strength and wisdom. He has very strong eyebrows as well as realistic creases from thinking or being threatening, but I sense no threatening substance from his glance. It seems to me as if both statues have a very wide range of audience, as I assume the story of Hercules was as well known in that era as it is in ours. As well as the Portrait, because it holds a certain tone through his expression that I believe can be read by many different people of many different ages. I like the fact that his hair is more realistic, as well as the fact that he has a light beard, would suggest a youthful first growth of hair. Or the merging into puberty but having the rest of the statue symbolize strength and wit. perhaps he was trying to have people see him as young and wise, to help strengthen the confidence of the people he was "advertising" to. Young yet wise, in order to rule Rome for a long time; yet well, so it wouldn't turn to tyranny.