Question

In what way does the portrait sculpture of aulus metellus illustrate the political context of the republican period?

Answer 1

The portrait of sculpture os Aulus Metellus was known as 'The Orator' and the man stands as if it is speaking to the crowd. The statue was done during the Republican period of Rome when leaders in the Senate dominated ideally through reason and with the help of the people. The Senate was the one who rules and the ability to speak expressively was most important to success.

Answer 2

The statue of Aulus Metellus is the representation of a Roman officer carved in bronze, designed to "connect" with the citizens, was created without idealization, as were the statues of the Roman emperors, and on the contrary: their clothes , his face, and his physical expression (his arm is forward, in an attitude of help and service) were to represent the common man in public office, who worked for the people and served their interests. The artists in the republican period, wanted to represent exactly and with great truth to the politicians, and to the Romans, it gave them great confidence to see so faithfully represented their leaders.