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Commodus: born AD 161, ruled 180 – 192

(i) Name the emperor shown in the bust. (ii) Name his father, with whom he at first shared rule. [ACH]. Commodus: born AD 161, ruled 180 – 192 A power-mad, fantasist (liked to believe he was Hercules), who followed the 5 ‘good’ emperors, and ruined their work.

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Commodus: born AD 161, ruled 180 – 192

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  1. (i) Name the emperor shown in the bust.(ii) Name his father, with whom he at first shared rule. [ACH] Commodus: born AD 161, ruled 180 – 192 A power-mad, fantasist (liked to believe he was Hercules), who followed the 5 ‘good’ emperors, and ruined their work. Disgusted Rome by his excessive cruelty against animals, and handicapped humans in gladiatorial “mock” fights in the Colliseum Eventually assassinated after 12 years. Fictionalised in “Gladiator” Marcus Aurelius : one of the greatest of all emperors. Philosopher, moderate. Why did he give the empire to his no-good son? His 4 predessors had all chosen the best successor they could find – not family. He had promoted Commodus to consul at age 15 (youngest in roman history) and co-emperor when he was 16!

  2. When was this bust made? [ACH] About AD 190

  3. (i) Identify the female figures who knelt at the base of the bust on either side of the sphere.(ii) On what basis have these figures been identified? [ACH] (i) Amazons The one (bared) breast. (Commodus linking himself to Hercules – who had defeated Amazons in ON of his labours. He had added Amazonius to his royal names)

  4. Explain the sculptural techniques used to carve the emperor’s eyes and the pupils of his eyes. Eyes: Pupils [ACH] The eyes are incised (chissled), with the pupils drilled into the iris.

  5. One of the traditional features of the Antonine baroque style is contrasting textures. Explain THREE pairs of contrasting textures on the bust shown. [MER] Any THREE of: • The hairy paws of the lion-skin contrast with the smooth skin of Commodus’ chest. • The lion’s head contrasts with the smooth skin of his face. • The luxuriant / deeply drilled hair and beard contrast with the smooth skin of the face. • The knotted club contrasts with the smooth skin of his upper body. (Other answers possible.)

  6. (i) Describe in detail what is depicted on the sphere at the base of this bust.(ii) Explain the symbolic significance of the sphere and cornucopaea / or its decoration. iii) What influenced this “Antonine baroque” style [MER] The sphere is covered with small rosettes (or stars), and bisected by a band carved with astrological signs. Any ONE of: The sphere is significant because it represents the cosmos, which Commodus dominates by position OR size. The zodiac signs are significant because they may allude to important dates in Commodus’ reign. Cornucopae = “horn of plenty” = wealth and fertility (Other answers possible.)

  7. The emperor shown promoted himself as the incarnation of the mythical Greek hero, Hercules. (i) Discuss THREE specific aspects of Hercules’ nature and / or status with which this emperor identified. Provide evidence from the bust that illustrates each one of these aspects.(ii) With which other Greek legendary hero did this emperor identify, and what evidence is there of this identification on the bust? [EXC] (i) Any THREE of the following aspects of Hercules’ nature / status, with exemplification: Courage : Commodus wears the lion-skin over his head to recall Hercules’ courage in fighting the Nemean lion. Physical strength: Commodus’ upper torso is very muscular, in imitation of the virility of the legendary hero. Fighting skill: The club that Commodus carries symbolises the weapon that Hercules fought with and represents the emperor’s brute strength. Superhuman status or achievements: Hercules’ ability to retrieve the apples of Hesperides, which Commodus holds in his left hand, helped him to win a place among the gods. They represent Commodus’ divine aspirations. Civiliser / great conqueror: The Amazon at the base recalls Hercules’ success in stealing the girdle of the Amazon queen, triumphing over the forces of barbarism. They allude to Commodus’ military conquests. Intelligent/cunning: The presence of the apples of the Hesperides recalls Hercules’ encounter with Atlas and how he tricked him into holding up the sky. (Other answers possible, such as immortality.) (ii) Perseus. The shield at the base of the bust is decorated with the Medusa’s head. (Perseus had fought the gorgon).

  8. i) contrast this style with that of Philip the Arabian (give 2 examples that illustrate this contrast) ii) How successfully do Roman art works glorify the emperors they portray? Your answer should make at least TWO points in relation to this work and a further TWO points in relation to another Roman art work you have studied this year. [EXC] i) Philip: veristic, plain, no symbolic features, small contrast. Vs Commodus: idealistic, ornate, many symbolic features, contrasting textures (skin, hair, lion skin) ii) Commodus – emperor is idealised, linked to demigods (Hercules), symbols link him to prosperity, fertility, power, strength, fortune etc. Is successful doing this for those who value fantastical/mythological links in their rulers (though the artist might be mocking ??) Philip – Emperor is shown as strong, human, with character, burdened. Successful, is likely to appeal to people who value honesty, directness, strength, character in their rulers.

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