Read About a Bust of a Roman Emperor

At just 16 years old, Commodus became co-ruler of the Roman Empire alongside his father, Marcus Aurelius. Two years later, his father died, making Commodus sole emperor at an age when some students are just starting college! This portrait bust was created to celebrate his new status as emperor. The portrait was likely painted when it was first made, and would have looked much more lifelike. But over the centuries, the colors faded. Any remaining traces of paint were probably rubbed away by over-cleaning, likely in the 1700s.

Portrait busts helped people throughout the empire recognize their rulers. Portraits were sent from Rome to cities across the empire to be copied. Each emperor had distinctive features that identified them—facial characteristics, hairstyles, and symbols. Members of the royal family showed their connection to the ruler by copying his hair and beard style.

In this portrait, Commodus has a long face and slightly protruding eyes with lowered eyelids. He looks calm and serious. The deeply carved curls and pupils were popular in portraits of this period. Commodus’s hair and beard are similar to his father’s style. His cloak suggests military leadership, even though the young emperor actually abandoned his father’s war against Germanic tribes.

Imperial portraits were designed to influence public opinion by sending a specific message (propaganda)—like strength, military experience, or wisdom. Many emperors, including Commodus, copied the smooth, idealized faces of heroes from Greek art. Other rulers chose to emphasize life experience by showing their age. An emperor’s portrait changed multiple times during his lifetime, often to mark special events. This bust honoring Commodus’s rise to sole ruler was actually his fifth official portrait!

Scholars call the five rulers before Commodus the “Five Good Emperors,” including his respected father Marcus Aurelius. Unfortunately, Commodus became known as a bad emperor. Within just two years of ruling alone, his own sister tried to assassinate him. This made him deeply suspicious of everyone around him. He survived another assassination attempt five years later. Over time, his behavior became increasingly cruel and bizarre. Commodus fought in the arena as a beast fighter and gladiator—activities considered disgraceful for an emperor. He even renamed Rome after himself, which offended many citizens. Finally, he began presenting himself in sculptures as the hero Hercules. This was the last straw. A third assassination attempt in 192 CE succeeded. Commodus was only 31 years old when he died.

Look at the Bust from Different Angles

Questions

Write or discuss your responses.

• How do you think the artist created this portrait?
• Why was this detailed bust made?
• What does his facial expression tell you about him?
• Do you think this portrait accurately shows what Commodus was really like, or does it present an idealized image?
• Why would a disliked emperor like Commodus want to have his portrait or bust displayed throughout the Roman Empire?

Optional Activities

Watch a video about the Bust of Emperor Commodus or listen to the audio recording of archeologist Jane Fejfer below to learn more.

A sculpture that shows only a person’s head, neck, and shoulders.

Artworks showing what a specific person looks like. A portrait may look a lot like a person or show idealized characteristics.

Visual or written communication used to persuade someone or encourage an opinion.