A history of Verism
-> Sculptures
-> Verism = Exaggerating old age
How Ancient Greek Idealism (youth and strength) became Roman Verism (age and experience).
Ancient Rome | Antiquity | Headbusts | Sculptures | Classics | Medditeranean
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4. A ROMAN PATRICIAN
…But, at some point old age and wrinkles
became exemplary and even aesthetic.
(70-75
BCE)
5. • Large ears
• Protruding noses
• Wrinkles
• Weak jawlines
AN ANONYMOUS
ROMAN
(65
BCE)
Hallmarks of
Verism:
6. A ROMAN BANKER
This bust shows that unique touches were
often added: his left cheek has a large
impurity.
By Lucundus (60 CE – Common
Era)
7. A ROMAN PATRICIAN*
Another example of Verism. This sculpture
portrays much emotion / contemplation.
(1st century BCE)
*The subject is from the influential Scipio family. They are
known from the Second Punic War and other historic events.
8. VESPACIANUS
• Almost all senators, military officers and other
established Romans were rather old…
• … That is why old started to equate success,
glory, experience, knowledge, foundation and
skill.
(75-80 CE)
9. The rich men who paid for these
sculptures (who are the sculpture’s
subject) wanted to convey these
virtues
Verism symbolized experience and knowledge
above all.
ANONYMOUS
ROMAN
(Date
unknown)
10. A GENERAL FROM
TIVOLI
This sculpture illustrates how Verism was, on
occasion, combined with idealism.
(80-60 BCE)
We call this 'Pseudo-athletes’:
• the veristic head portrays the experience
and skill of the general
• the body shows his physical strength and
prowess.
11. JULIUS CAESAR
• Even Caesar was sculpted veristically
• It shows how popular the art-style was and
how long it lasted (for about 2 centuries)
110
CE
12. • Be sure to read more on
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Me (Joël van Aalderink)
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