First I chose this piece because of its amazing detail. The level of skill to make this must have been up there with the greatest sculptors of the time. I love the drill work in the hair, it has a very cool texture in it. Every surface is carved to look like it's so real like the fabrics folds to the softness of skin. I also chose this piece because I thought it was funny that Commodus thought so highly of himself that he portrayed himself as Hercules.
Somehow I picture Hercules as a much bigger man but I guess the lion skin implies that he is pretty tough. He certainly had good taste in sculptors.
ReplyDeleteThis was another greek sculpture that I was really impressed with its detail. I really love the texture of his curly hair and beard. The fact that the sculptor was able to get the space cleared out between the back of his neck and the hood is insane. I can't imagine how much meticulous effort it took to pull off.
ReplyDeleteLike Joyce said, he does seem a lot smaller than what I would imagine Hercules to be. It almost seems like one year he decided to dress up like Hercules for Halloween and liked it so much that he demanded a bust be sculpted.