Bust of a Roman Woman and Statue of a Roman Man c. 1754 - 1765

This pencil drawing by Hubert Robert depicts a bust of a Roman woman and a statue of a Roman man. The classical profile of the woman, framed by an elaborate hairstyle, embodies an ideal of beauty and virtue prized in ancient Rome. Consider how similar profiles resurface in Renaissance portraiture, evoking a connection to this celebrated past. Notice the male figure draped in a toga, a garment exclusive to Roman citizens, symbolizing status and authority. This emblematic clothing reappears throughout history, adapted in various forms to signify power, and even justice. Think of judicial robes, echoing the toga’s weighty significance. These classical allusions invite us to reflect on how societies, consciously or unconsciously, seek to legitimize themselves by connecting to revered historical precedents. The emotional power lies in our own complex relationship with history, where we are continuously renegotiating the impact of the past.