Hercules & Caracalla

The portrait of head Caracalla (c. 217-230) from the Roman age is a very sacred piece. This portrait seems a lot similar to the portrait of an Elder (c. 80 BCE) and that piece was very important to the Romans because they valued age. I think the sculpture of head Caracalla represents wisdom and experience, just through the sense of this man’s eyes and the details of the expression of his face. I automatically think that he has gone through something in his life, to have such a fierce appearance. The expression on his face seems strong and proud. I feel like this sculpture carries itself that way because when other ancestors see this piece, they are proud to see one of their own with such gratification.

As for the Commodus as Hercules (c. 191-92 CE), he is not quite as fierce as Caracalla, but they do share some of the same qualities. What it seems to me, Hercules and Caracalla both seem like they’ve been through battle, war, or some sort of interrogation. They both seem well put, strong, and proud. One thing I noticed that is extremely different, are the eyes. Even though Hercules sculpture shows more detail, the eyes are what really make these pieces separate. Caracalla’s eyebrows seem more like he is angry or waiting for battle. Which in a sense is not a bad thing, it makes him seem robust and convincing. Hercules on the other hand, what really gives away the solid attitude is the lion hanging over his head. As I would assume, lion’s are a symbol of strength and threatening, maybe he’s using this lion head to show how strong he is, that he killed a lion. The claws wrapped around his chest are very interesting as well. He seems content, yet ready for anything. Even though his eyes don’t show anger or sadness, the lion really gives away the boldness of this sculpture. Also, at the bottom of the sculpture there is a headless woman taking a knee next to this man. I wonder why this woman is headless and why it’s there in the first place. My assumption is that this man was brave and she is admiring his courageousness. Even though the portrait of head Caracalla does not have any lions or women bowing down to him, his face just seems so daring and fearless. I think this ruler wants people to realize that he is fearless and he’s ready to take on anything. I believe he wants his people to feel safe and remember him as a brave emperor. As for the portrait of Hercules, I think he wants his people to feel proud and protected. Not as angry as Caracalla, but still fearless and impressive. Both of these emperors have a sense of honor throughout these sculptures. I think that it’s important for a ruler to seem intimidating, yet still honorable. What would an emperor be if he were weak?