“The will to reach out actively into the world of on-going life and to accomplish specific purposes within through psychological modifications imposed upon the observer is the central organizational principle of Roman art…” (pg. 39). This line in Sheldon Nodelman’s How to Read a Roman Portrait more or less sums up the man’s argument that he outlines through the chapter. Throughout the text, the man uses various works of Roman art to illustrate his points and ideas. Like what is taught in class, Nodelman also believes that “Style has meaning.” However his meaning and that of the one presented during class lectures are different. While class stressed the importance of individuality and historical specificity in Roman art, the chapter asserted
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Nodelman writes that this verist portrait, “asserts a self-conscious pride in down to earth pragmatism, an absence of illusions, a contempt for vanity and pretense” (pg. 41). Unlike the previous Hellenistic styles or even that of those in charge, verism often chose to portray its subject aged. There was a distinct emphasis on showing wrinkles, imperfections, and a general weariness of the world; there was no idealization in these portraits. Roman art was meant to idealize those with high political power or status. According to Nodelman, this was meant to focus attention on the virtues of “stern self-discipline, shrewd calculation, unbending resolution, and unquestioning acceptance of social bonds” (pg. 41). Virtues like these placed traditionalism at the forefront of the Roman system and gave the viewers incentive to act like this in their lives. The men immortalized in the busts came to revel in that success through staunch adherence to those principles. If the spectators aspired to be just like them, they too could go down in the annals of …show more content…
The military garb stood for strength, especially in war. However, not mentioned in the Nodelman chapter, was the symbolism on the chest plate. Captured in the middle of the plate is the visage of a Roman legion accepting the flag of victory from their losing opponents, while a generic god looked down in approval. This symbolized that Augustus was favored by the gods, and he would lead his people forward victoriously. The Caesar was also wearing a toga suggesting wisdom and philosophy. The man would not only be strong enough to guide the Roman people, he would also be smart
Nodelman writes that this verist portrait, “asserts a self-conscious pride in down to earth pragmatism, an absence of illusions, a contempt for vanity and pretense” (pg. 41). Unlike the previous Hellenistic styles or even that of those in charge, verism often chose to portray its subject aged. There was a distinct emphasis on showing wrinkles, imperfections, and a general weariness of the world; there was no idealization in these portraits. Roman art was meant to idealize those with high political power or status. According to Nodelman, this was meant to focus attention on the virtues of “stern self-discipline, shrewd calculation, unbending resolution, and unquestioning acceptance of social bonds” (pg. 41). Virtues like these placed traditionalism at the forefront of the Roman system and gave the viewers incentive to act like this in their lives. The men immortalized in the busts came to revel in that success through staunch adherence to those principles. If the spectators aspired to be just like them, they too could go down in the annals of …show more content…
The military garb stood for strength, especially in war. However, not mentioned in the Nodelman chapter, was the symbolism on the chest plate. Captured in the middle of the plate is the visage of a Roman legion accepting the flag of victory from their losing opponents, while a generic god looked down in approval. This symbolized that Augustus was favored by the gods, and he would lead his people forward victoriously. The Caesar was also wearing a toga suggesting wisdom and philosophy. The man would not only be strong enough to guide the Roman people, he would also be smart