Bust of an Aged Roman

myminifactory

This outstanding work originated in the late Republican or early Imperial Roman era (late 1st century BC) and embodies the spirit of Verism. The essence of this artistic style lies in the artist's relentless pursuit of capturing a subject's likeness with utmost accuracy, minus idealization. Sometimes, this approach results in the naturalistic portrayal of unique facial characteristics. What truly matters to the Roman artist is the individual's distinct features. A man who prioritized his family's and Rome's well-being would be an exemplary figure for his descendants to follow. Typically, small busts like these were attached to stone pillars or hermae and placed in tombs. The good condition of this piece suggests that the portrait of a mature Roman was intended for his burial vault. This portrait is known as "portrait of an agrarian," since it depicts a Republican-era Roman who lived modestly, managed his household personally, and possessed intimate knowledge of rural economy. Such individuals, marked by their sobriety and thriftiness in daily life, would be courageous in times of danger and merciless towards Rome's enemies. According to Roman tradition, these citizens were the bedrock upon which the state's power and strength rested.