Week 8 Commodus and Caracalla

In the Bust of Commodus he is using the god Hercules to associate himself with the immortal gods. Therefore giving the appearance of being the logical choice for a ruler. Dressed in the lions skin he provokes a image of strength and power that is re-enforced by the youthful body and luscious curly hair but not by the stance of the body. The staff in his right hand speaks of a willingness to use force when necessary to preserve his position. While the fruit in his left hand symbolises an ability to provide for those in need yet no real desire to do so as the fruit is not offered to the viewer. The original support bespeaks the horns of plenty and support of the people.

The Bust of Caracalla is of a very stern looking man. A warrior or soldier whom has suffered  what appears to be a very nasty injury to his face. This piece was perhaps once part of a larger life size if not larger statue of this great leader. While portrayed as a man of more advanced years and perhaps greater experience this leader still has a youthful appearance. Perhaps this is belied by the closely shorn hair on the head and face. This face says that he has seen much and survived more. It stirs the heart of the people of the times perhaps having survived some great battle.

Each of these men used strong symbolism to evoke a central idea. Commodus by dressing himself as Hercules brought forth the idea that rulers were chosen by the gods and supported without question by the people. Caracalla on the other hand with his deformed stern face seems to say I am one of you, I have stood beside you and fought for the same cause we are brothers. Each is promoting the idea that the people deserve a great ruler like themselves.

We see the battle between youth and experience, power demanded and power earned. In Caracalla we find a warrior of a man who has had time to practice and hone his skills in the furnace of war thereby earning his powerful reputation. This gives the impression of his being a man whom can handle even the toughest situation while leading the people with a strong hand. In Commodus we find a man willing to go to great lengths to retain the power given to him and a not quite assured way of welding power. This youth seems uncomfortable in his stance from the way he hold out the fruit in his left hand to the club held like a scepter in his right. Like the great warrior he strives to emulate, Commodus comes off as uncomfortable with the responsibility that is his to bare.

I would say that for the average person if they did not know who's face they are gazing upon Caracalla would seem an average man of the people and go unnoticed if it were not for the war that this writer is presuming caused the disfigurement of his face. The viewer might be fooled into believing that the Bust was of a less important member of society. Commodus with his Bust full of symbolism, power, and strength lends a more royal and godly appearance. For this period of time none of the people would have wondered about the strength of this youth.