Bust of Commodus as Hercules Portrait head of Caracalla
From the first glance the portrait head of Caracalla (c. 217-230) has a rough and more intimidating look to him. The bust of Commodus as Hercules (c. 191-92 CE) has more of a calm and peaceful look. I think they are meant to cause fear to their enemies. Both are much different in how they are represented as higher powers. Head of Caracalla and Commodus as Hercules each shows propaganda elements of showing leadership, strength and power.
The portrait head of Caracalla has a rough appearance of a man’s face I think that is to show more power and that is why it was of great importance to Romans. His eyes seem to be glaring at something or someone; it might be one of his enemies. Everything in his face from his eyebrows to his lips shows that he is full of strength and power. Since his facial expression shows how powerful he is the piece doesn’t need to have other objects such as trophies or his success to show his power. This piece shows more mystery because there isn’t those other objects.
The bust of Commodus as Hercules has more of a peaceful facial expression. This piece also shows that he is of high power because it shows a sense of intimidation. He has a peaceful face and along with him holding apples also gives the sense of peacefulness. The bust of this piece shows a sense of strength through the Hercules lion head. His strength is real because he used to battle against animals. Maybe that is why he uses a lion head. The lion hat shows that he is not to be messed with because he is a strong leader and warrior. The lion might be one of his many trophies from something he has killed. This piece also shows his muscles and lets you know he great physical strength. You have to look more deeply into this piece because you have to understand the mythology of the God Hercules. Hercules was a strong and powerful leader, he is known for his heroics.
Both are intimidating figures but each shows that in different ways, one shows it in his facial expression while the other shows it by showing off his trophies to show his power. Both pieces reflect the character of Commodus and Caracalla through their appearances. Each piece has a great amount of detail and expressions in the faces. Each figure is powerful but the statue of Commodus has himself symbolized with the God Hercules. Meanwhile the statue of Caracalla doesn’t need any other elements other than himself to show power. Although, the Portrait head of Caracalla has the more rough and stronger facial expressions while the face of Commodus as Hercules has that more of peaceful look they are both intimidating men.
I agree with you that both are intimidating bust. And I also agree that they show that in different ways such as the bust of Commodus as Hercules uses the use of his props and how they relate to Hercules where on the other hand the portrait head of Caracalla use facial expression and such fine details to show passion and strength.
ReplyDeleteI can see that you chose a different bust of Caracalla than the one that was assigned (also found on p. 204 of our textbook). Both portraits of Caracalla contain a scowl and furrowed brow, though, so a lot of the ideas that I was looking for in this assignment still apply. Caracalla does use his facial expression to suggest power (and to intimidate!).
ReplyDelete-Prof. Bowen
I agree that the bust of Commodus has a more peaceful and in control look while he is still depicted as being muscular and intimidating. I like that you mention that Commodus is showing his trophies for intimidation while the bust of Caracalla is showing intimidation through his expression.
ReplyDeleteI dont really agree that Commodus was really trying to intimidate his people based on his portrayal as Hercules. His peaceful posture gives an aura of vanity. Based on the text readings he was a ruler hiding behind an image. So Commodus was using Hercules to give him a sense of power and strength, so that his people can trust him.
ReplyDelete