3-037-334 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Bust of Emperor Commodus, A.D. 180-185. Additional Info: The expression on this portrait of the Roman Emperor Commodus (ruled A.D. 180-192) perhaps belies his noted love of combat and fighting in the arena. Unlike his more intellectual and philosophical father, Marcus Aurelius, Commodus was ruthless enough to order killings even of his own sister and aunt. He is depicted in military garb: a draped robe and fibula, or pin, rather than in the clothing of a senator or religious figure. In his era, it was customary for official portraits of rulers to be carved in Rome. From these, multiple copies would be carved, and sent out to provincial capitals around the empire, where they would become the models for additional portraits.