Bust of Emperor Hadrian as a Young Man c. 1590
giovannibattistacaccini
minneapolisinstituteofart
sculpture, marble
muted dark tone
3d sculpting
stone
sculpture
sculptural image
unrealistic statue
sculpting
framed image
sculpture
black object
marble
italy
statue
This marble bust, sculpted by Giovanni Battista Caccini in the late 16th century, depicts the Roman emperor Hadrian as a young man. The work is a testament to Caccini's skill in capturing the likeness and personality of his subject, with meticulous attention to detail in the emperor's youthful features, curly hair, and the folds of his toga. This bust is an excellent example of Renaissance portraiture, where the subject is presented with a sense of realism and dignity, highlighting the ideals of classical art.
Comments
This bust, with its dense, curly hair and straplike beard and mustache, is a Renaissance interpretation of Roman sculptural portraits believed to represent the emperor Hadrian (reigned 117–38 CE). A great patron of the arts, Hadrian was celebrated in the Renaissance as one of Rome’s “five good emperors.” A famous admirer of Greek culture, he wore a beard and mustache to fashion himself as a Greek philosopher. His example made facial hair chic once again among the Roman elite, and beards remained all the rage for almost a century.
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