Visual analysis on Hadrian - Essay Example

Date of Submission:Visual Analysis on “Hadrian” The bust sculpture of the Roman Emperor “Hadrian” (A.D. 117 – 138), is currently kept in the Gallery of Ancient Coins. With height by face length measure of 50 cm x 30 cm, the medium-grained marble work is allegedly discovered at Athribis (Benha) not far from the Nile Delta, during the mid-30s. Though the exact date of its creation is unknown, the “Hadrian” piece conveys much about its period through the level of artistry with the carving method employed as well as the attributes of size, color, light, and overall structure that signify the artist’s intention of presenting the subject.

Prior to the analysis of the craftsmanship that constitutes the foundation of the bust carving, it may appear essential to recall via historical context, that Hadrian is widely known as one of the five good emperors who made tremendous impact on establishing the Pax Romana – the age of abundant peace and prosperity for the Roman Empire. Examining the image of the bust, one necessarily considers in critical thought that the carving technique must have been conducted in a manner that reflects such perspective especially in the order, symmetry, and projection of the head and facial characteristics.

In the absence of its body, the marble from the Greek island of Thasos was constructed to possess a volume that exudes prominence, poise, authority, and general dignified look typical of a Roman emperor. As conjectured by the smooth curves, the bust sculptor may be claimed to have attempted a most refined approach in carving the cheek and lip areas to balance with the furrowed brows which occur to be a sharp contrast to the smoothness of front surface and edge contour. These details manifest how Hadrian could have been viewed by his subjects as an emperor with the traits of gentle wisdom and fierce heroic character in order to address the demands of his civilization at the time.

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