Bust Of Commodus

Examine the depiction of the male OR female form in classical art, and its significance in classical societies.
Explain the ways in which the male OR female form is depicted in a classical art work.
Examine what may have influenced artists in the way they portrayed the male OR female form.
Draw developed conclusions about what the depiction about what the depictions of the male OR female form shows about classical society.
The bust of Commodus is a truly exquisite piece of artwork created in 190ADc sculpted in marble. This artwork depicts the bust of the male Commodus in an idealistic style. The marble is polished and smooth giving the key senses of youth and beauty, the two attributes of an idealised piece at this current time. Due to the severity of idealism being depicted, it is often referred as “a sensitive psychological representation” in which Commodus is being depicted as “a sadistic pervert”. Commodus was depicted through key symbols that allude to his intention of being shown as a demigod, as the Bust of Commodus has many similarities to the almighty Hercules. For example symbols such as the golden apples, and the lion skin. These symbols link Commodus to Hercules, as they refer to the twelve labours Hercules had to preform due to Hera. The Lion skin represents the first labour Hercules had to achieve, and then the golden apples representing the eleventh. "Then he took off the dress of a Roman emperor and took to wearing a lion skin and carrying a club in his hand." (Herodian XIV.8) The bust of Commodus also contains symbols of achievement that Commodus had acquired. Such as the two kneeling Amazonian woman located on each end of piece depicting the accomplishment of when Commodus defeated enemies of the roman empire from north to east. As well as the globe symbolising three critical points in Commodus’ life. Finally the last way in which the form is depicted is through a more defined style of idealism known as Antonine Baroque. This certain style emphases traits such as the deeply drilled and luxurious curly hair, and the contrasting smoothly polished surface of his skin. The eyes of Commodus were also incised, meaning two drilled shallow circles were done to reflect light on the pupil, and the eye lids drooping over the top iris. The eyes were also upturned with arched eyebrows, gazing to one side, characterising the Antonine Baroque style.
The bust of Commodus was influenced by the artist in numerous ways, allowing the male to be portrayed in this certain form. Antonius Pius was a crucial influence in how the bust of Commodus was formed. This is due to the how Antonius Pius was the first emperor to adopt such an innovative style known as the Antonine Baroque, which later became very popular. Due to its theatrical effect of manipulating and contrasting the use of light and dark. The popularity of such a style is why Commodus was portrayed in this certain way, as it would truly represent himself and all his intentions. The penultimate influence of the bust of Commodus was how the Antonine Baroque was an extension of the Idealism style. Greeks were renowned for their exquisite style of Idealism, and therefore the idealism style is also a beneficiary influence that caused Commodus to be portrayed in such manner, as Romans were known for Verisum, until idealism had been introduced. The last influence which caused Commodus to be portrayed in such form is how Commodus wanted to be declared a demigod, and so those certain symbols such as the lion skin, golden apples, and the club linked Commodus to Hercules, and so Hercules and his twelve labours heavily influenced the bust of Commodus.
The depiction of the bust of Commodus was a significant piece of artwork that shows key values. The bust of Commodus was used as a propaganda piece of artwork as it made roman citizens believe that Commodus was the bringer of a new Golden age for Rome, through the symbols of the cornucopia, which symbolise abundance and prosperity. This caused roman citizens to worship Commodus, and think good of him, and also his bloodline, once again being used to promote imperial propaganda. Consequently depicting how Commodus only wanted to heighten himself amongst others, and show them that he is the emperor, and that he is better than all. Lastly it shows how much Romans envied, and loved the Greeks, as this artwork was styled in a Greek way known as Idealism. this shows the love the Romans have for the Greeks, as Romans were known for their realistic style of Verisum showing experience and wisdom, and so when idealism was introduced into the roman society and artwork, it only showed the love roman society had for Greeks.