7.3 Stylistic developments from Julio-Claudians to Severans
3 min read•august 5, 2024
Roman imperial portraiture evolved dramatically from to the Severans. Artists blended idealization and realism, reflecting changing political climates and cultural values. Hairstyles, facial hair, and artistic techniques played crucial roles in shaping imperial images.
Portraits served as powerful propaganda tools, legitimizing rulers and conveying their qualities. From Augustus's youthful to 's rugged naturalism, these images offer fascinating insights into Roman imperial ideology and artistic innovation.
Stylistic Trends
Classicizing Portraiture
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Augustus Prima Porta Detail, Vatican Museum | Andy Montgomery | Flickr View original
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Augustus of Primaporta | Survey of Art History Western Tradition Part 1 View original
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Augustus Prima Porta, New Wing, Vatican Museums | Carole Raddato | Flickr View original
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Augustus Prima Porta Detail, Vatican Museum | Andy Montgomery | Flickr View original
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Augustus of Primaporta | Survey of Art History Western Tradition Part 1 View original
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Top images from around the web for Classicizing Portraiture
Augustus Prima Porta Detail, Vatican Museum | Andy Montgomery | Flickr View original
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Augustus of Primaporta | Survey of Art History Western Tradition Part 1 View original
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Augustus Prima Porta, New Wing, Vatican Museums | Carole Raddato | Flickr View original
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Augustus Prima Porta Detail, Vatican Museum | Andy Montgomery | Flickr View original
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Augustus of Primaporta | Survey of Art History Western Tradition Part 1 View original
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- Classicism revived Greek and Hellenistic styles and ideals in Roman portraiture
- Emphasized youthfulness, beauty, and idealization rather than realism (Augustus of Prima Porta)
- Reflected political stability and prosperity during the Julio-Claudian and Flavian periods
- Served as propaganda to legitimize the emperor's rule and link him to revered past leaders
Psychological Realism and Idealization
- Antonine period introduced a blend of idealization and in portraiture
- Captured the individual's personality, emotions, and inner life through facial expressions and details
- Maintained a sense of dignity and authority befitting the imperial office
- Exemplified by portraits of Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius that convey wisdom and philosophical contemplation
Severan Naturalism
- Severan dynasty marked a shift towards greater naturalism in portraiture
- Depicted the emperor's actual age, wrinkles, and imperfections without idealization
- Reflected the turbulent political climate and the need for a strong, experienced leader
- Emphasized the emperor's military prowess and resilience through stern expressions and rugged features (Caracalla)
Imperial Portraiture
Flavian Hairstyles and Facial Hair
- Flavian emperors introduced elaborate hairstyles with curls, waves, and layered locks
- Reflected the dynasty's emphasis on luxury, opulence, and refined aesthetics
- Women's hairstyles became more complex with high arching curls and braids (Julia Titi)
- Men's portraits often featured short, curly hair and clean-shaven faces (Vespasian)
Trajanic Realism
- Trajan's portraiture marked a return to realism and individuality
- Depicted the emperor's actual age, receding hairline, and facial features without idealization
- Conveyed a sense of strength, experience, and military prowess through stern expressions
- Set a precedent for realistic representation in imperial portraiture (Trajan's Column)
Hadrianic Beard
- Hadrian popularized the beard as a symbol of intellectualism and Greek cultural affinity
- Reflected the emperor's love for Greek philosophy, art, and literature
- Became a fashionable trend among the Roman elite and subsequent emperors
- Represented a departure from the clean-shaven tradition of earlier Roman portraiture
Artistic Techniques
Drilling and Carving
- Drill technique allowed for the creation of deep, dramatic shadows and intricate details
- Used to carve pupils, irises, and locks of hair, adding depth and realism to portraits
- Enabled artists to achieve a greater sense of three-dimensionality and texture
- Became increasingly prominent in the Antonine and Severan periods (Commodus as Hercules)
Polychromy and Mixed Media
- Polychromy involved the use of color pigments to enhance the realism of marble sculptures
- Added lifelike details such as skin tones, hair color, and clothing patterns
- Combined with other materials like glass, precious stones, and metals for eyes and accessories
- Created a more vivid and immersive viewing experience (Meroë Augusta)
Marble and Bronze Sculpture
- Marble remained the primary medium for imperial portraiture throughout the period
- Allowed for fine details, smooth surfaces, and a range of textures through carving techniques
- enabled the creation of larger-than-life statues and equestrian monuments
- Provided a sense of power, permanence, and grandeur befitting the imperial image (Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius)
Key Terms to Review (23)
Augustus: Augustus was the first emperor of Rome, ruling from 27 BC until his death in AD 14. He is known for transforming the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire and establishing a new era of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana, which greatly influenced art, literature, and governance during his reign.
Bronze casting: Bronze casting is a metalworking process where molten bronze is poured into a mold to create a solid object, typically used for sculptures, weapons, and decorative art. This technique was vital in ancient cultures for producing lifelike representations in portraiture and making durable objects that could convey power and status.
Bust: A bust is a sculptural representation of a person's head, shoulders, and upper chest, often used to commemorate or honor notable individuals. In the realm of ancient art, busts serve not only as a means of artistic expression but also reflect the cultural values and political significance of the time, particularly in the development of portraiture during significant historical periods.
Caracalla: Caracalla was a Roman emperor who ruled from 211 to 217 AD, known for his authoritarian rule and military expansion. His reign marked a significant transition in the stylistic developments of Roman portraiture, showcasing a shift towards more expressive and emotional representations that diverged from the idealized forms of earlier Julio-Claudian portraits. Additionally, his numismatic portraits convey political messages, emphasizing his power and connection to the military.
Classicizing portraiture: Classicizing portraiture refers to a style of sculpture and painting that emulates the idealized forms and aesthetic principles of classical antiquity, particularly from ancient Greece and Rome. This artistic approach often incorporates harmonious proportions, serene expressions, and a sense of timelessness, which reflects a revival of classical ideals during specific historical periods, especially from the Julio-Claudians to the Severans.
Divine association: Divine association refers to the portrayal of rulers or important figures in art and literature as being connected to or favored by the gods, elevating their status and legitimacy. This concept often manifests in physical representations that integrate divine imagery or symbolism, creating a visual narrative that reinforces political power and authority. By aligning with the divine, leaders could legitimize their rule and foster a sense of loyalty among their subjects.
Drilling and carving: Drilling and carving refer to techniques used in sculpture and portraiture to create details and textures by removing material from a medium, such as stone or marble. These methods became particularly important in the transition from the Julio-Claudian to the Severan periods, as artists sought to enhance realism and expression in their work, reflecting evolving aesthetic preferences.
Flavian hairstyles: Flavian hairstyles refer to the distinct and elaborate hairdos popularized during the Flavian dynasty in ancient Rome, specifically between 69 AD and 96 AD. These hairstyles are characterized by their intricate, structured designs that often involved curls, braids, and the use of hairpieces. They represent a shift in stylistic trends from earlier periods, showcasing a move toward more ostentatious expressions of status and identity.
Full-length statue: A full-length statue is a sculptural representation of a human figure that depicts the subject from head to toe. This format allows for an expression of grandeur and authority, often used in the context of commemorating significant figures in history, particularly during the Julio-Claudian to Severan periods, where these statues were integral in reflecting ideals of power and divinity.
Hadrianic Beard: The Hadrianic beard refers to the distinctive style of facial hair popularized during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, characterized by a full, bushy beard. This trend marked a significant shift in Roman portraiture, moving from clean-shaven representations typical of earlier emperors to the embracing of facial hair, which symbolized wisdom, maturity, and a more philosophical disposition in the portrayal of imperial figures.
Idealism: Idealism is an artistic and philosophical concept that emphasizes the representation of subjects in an idealized form, often portraying them in a way that reflects beauty, virtue, or moral perfection. This approach can be seen across various forms of ancient portraiture, where the aim was to elevate the subject beyond their ordinary appearance, symbolizing their higher status or virtues.
Influence of Hellenistic techniques: The influence of Hellenistic techniques refers to the artistic and cultural methodologies that emerged during the Hellenistic period, significantly impacting portraiture and representation in subsequent Roman art. This influence is characterized by a shift towards naturalism, emotional expressiveness, and intricate detailing, which transformed how individuals were depicted and perceived in sculpture and painting.
Julio-Claudian Portraits vs. Severan Portraits: Julio-Claudian portraits refer to the artistic representations created during the Julio-Claudian dynasty, focusing on naturalism and idealized features, while Severan portraits emerged later, characterized by a shift towards more expressive and individualized styles. This evolution highlights the changing ideals of leadership, identity, and the socio-political context of Rome over time.
Marble Carving: Marble carving is the artistic technique of sculpting figures and forms out of marble, a metamorphic rock prized for its beauty and durability. This technique has played a crucial role in ancient portraiture, allowing for the creation of lifelike representations that convey both aesthetic beauty and cultural significance, while also serving various purposes in society, such as honoring individuals and commemorating important events.
Pax romana: Pax Romana refers to a 200-year period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire, lasting from 27 BC to AD 180. This era was marked by significant advancements in art, architecture, and trade, while also showcasing the political strategies of the emperors who aimed to consolidate their power and legitimacy during this time.
Political Propaganda: Political propaganda refers to the use of imagery, art, and information to influence public perception and opinion about political figures or ideologies. This practice has been integral in shaping political narratives and enhancing the status of leaders, particularly through visual representations in ancient portraiture.
Polychromy and mixed media: Polychromy refers to the practice of applying multiple colors to sculptures and architectural elements, enhancing their visual impact and realism. Mixed media combines different artistic materials and techniques in a single artwork, allowing for diverse textures and effects. These concepts are crucial in understanding the stylistic developments from the Julio-Claudians to Severans, as they highlight the evolution of artistic expression in portraiture and the desire for lifelike representations.
Psychological realism: Psychological realism is an artistic approach that aims to convey the inner thoughts, emotions, and psychological depth of characters through visual representation. This style focuses on creating a sense of authenticity and connection with the viewer, often highlighting individual personality traits, emotions, and unique characteristics that evoke empathy. In ancient portraiture, this approach marked a significant shift towards a more humanistic portrayal of subjects, moving away from idealized forms to depict more relatable and nuanced expressions of humanity.
Roman Empire: The Roman Empire was a vast and powerful political entity that dominated the Mediterranean region and beyond from 27 BC, with the rise of Augustus, until the fall of the Western Empire in AD 476. It was marked by significant developments in governance, culture, and art, including portraiture and biography, which played crucial roles in shaping its legacy.
Severan Naturalism: Severan Naturalism refers to the distinctive artistic style that emerged during the Severan dynasty (193-235 CE) in ancient Rome, characterized by an emphasis on realistic representation and individualized features in portraiture. This style is notable for its attempt to capture the unique characteristics of subjects, moving away from the idealized forms of previous periods and incorporating elements of emotion and personality.
Trajanic realism: Trajanic realism refers to the artistic style that emerged during the reign of Emperor Trajan, characterized by a heightened naturalism and emotional depth in portraiture and sculpture. This style marked a significant shift from the idealized representations of earlier periods, showcasing a more lifelike and relatable depiction of individuals, often emphasizing their unique features and expressions. Trajanic realism reflects the broader stylistic developments that occurred from the Julio-Claudian period to the Severan dynasty, highlighting the evolving approach to representing human figures in art.
Transition to the naturalistic style: The transition to the naturalistic style refers to the shift in artistic representation during the Roman Empire that began in the late Julio-Claudian period and continued through the Severan dynasty, characterized by a move towards more realistic and human-like portrayals in sculpture and portraiture. This style emphasized individualism, emotional expression, and an attention to detail that reflected the actual physical characteristics of subjects, rather than adhering strictly to idealized forms of beauty.
Verism: Verism is an artistic style that emphasizes realistic and truthful representation, particularly in portraiture. This approach showcases the subject's age, flaws, and unique features, capturing their individual character and social status rather than idealizing them. It connects deeply with themes of psychological realism, the evolution of stylistic expression through different historical periods, and the enduring influence of ancient portraiture on later artistic movements.