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Bust of Commodus

Bust of Commodus. c. AD 190. But first...a list of Emperors. Trajanic Dynasty Nerva AD96-98 Trajan AD98-117 Hadrian AD117-138 Antonine Dynasty Antoninus Pius AD138-161 Marcus Aurelius AD161- 180 Lucis Verus AD161-169 Commodus AD177-192 Severan dynasty (11 emperors)

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Bust of Commodus

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  1. Bust of Commodus c. AD 190

  2. But first...a list of Emperors Trajanic Dynasty • Nerva AD96-98 • Trajan AD98-117 • Hadrian AD117-138 Antonine Dynasty • Antoninus Pius AD138-161 • Marcus Aurelius AD161- 180 • Lucis Verus AD161-169 • Commodus AD177-192 Severan dynasty • (11 emperors) Emperors during the height of crisis AD 235-268 • Philip the Arabian • Many others (constant change) • Constantine AD 337-307 Julio-Claudian dynasty • Augustus 27BC- AD14 • Tiberius AD14 - 37 • Caligula AD37 – 41 • Claudius AD 41- 54 • Nero AD54- 68 Year of 4 emperors (AD 68 –AD69) • Galba • Otho • Vitellius Flavian Dynasty • Vespasian AD69-79 • Titus AD79-81 • Domitian AD 81-96

  3. Details about Commodus • 1.18 metres high • Son of the previous emperor, Marcus Aurelius. He was born AD 161 and reigned from AD 177 (the first 3 years reigning with his father) until he was strangled in AD192 • This comparison with the legendary Hercules is explicit, whereas Augustus linking himself to Aeneas is more subtle

  4. Symbol: Hercules lion skin (from the 1st of the 12 labours, killing the Nemean Lion) Symbol: Hercules club. Here is smaller than Hercules, more a prop than a weapon

  5. Symbol: Girdle of Hippolyta (Amazon queen). The 9th labour. He killed her & defeated the Amazons Symbol: Amazon woman – represents the killing of the amazon women, and Commodus defeated Rome’s enemy who lived in the place the amazons once did. There Should be an amazon woman on both sides, but broken. Symbol: Apples of the Herispides. (the 11th labour) Stolen from the tree at the world’s end. Tree was guarded by the dragon, Ladon and by the Herispides (the daughter’s of night and Erebus). Apples represent immortality. Commodus believed he deserved this for defeating Rome’s enemy

  6. Symbol: Amazon sheild has a gorgon medusa head on it, referring to a greek myth Symbol: Cornucopiae, a ‘horn of plenty’ full of fruit, representing prosperity, fertility and abundance. Represents the new golden age that Commodus has brought Symbol: ‘Orbis Terrarum’ (orb of the world) Has a band across it, which shows signs of the zodiac, taurus (bull), capricorn (goat), and scorpio (scorpian) – important moments in Commodus life Symbol: Rosettes on orbis terrarum (orb of the world) represent stars

  7. The eyes- incised ring for the iris, heavy eyelids droop over iris. He glances to the left, an arrogant attitude, turns his head away from the viewer Eyes upturned with arched eyebrows. All combines to create a sense of Sleepy Sensuality

  8. Antonine Baroque style This image has characteristics of his father, Marcus Aurelius– The hair & heavy eyelids. His hair: deeply drilled, detailed has contrasts of light and dark areas, to create shadows on the work. His hair contrasts with the smooth highly polished skin – creating a theatrical effect The textured hairy paws of the lion skin contrast the polished smooth musculature of his torso Upper torso is Precariously balanced on the base Shows him as powerful, arrogant, god-like, idealised.

  9. Interesting Megalomaniac Facts • Called himself ‘Amazonius’ in his Last years • His reign was marked by vicious brutality and decadent self-indulgence • He thought he was an incarnation of the god Hercules • Fought as a gladiator in the arena, dressed as Hercules • This bust was created while he was still alive • Destroyed the social and political stability that Rome had experienced for 60 years • After his death Rome went into civil war

  10. Work to do……… • “Art of the Roman Empire” ( Paul Artus Study Notes) p. 84 • “ Roman Art and Architecture” (Johnathan Campbell) p. 32 • Workbook, p.

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