Stil – Form – Ästhetik

Innovationen in hadrianischer Zeit

Abstract

The transition from the 1ˢᵗ to the 2ⁿᵈ centuries A.D. was marked by decisive changes including iconography and style of Roman sculpture. This concerns, for example, to the portraits of Emperor Hadrian, which are characterized by an elaborate, luxurious hairstyle and a short beard. At the same time, the creation of specific aesthetic effects were important. The most important were the increasing use of the drill and related chiaroscuro effects as well as polished and therefore shiny marble surfaces. These aesthetic effects were not limited to the portrait heads, but can also be observed on free-standing portrait busts themselves – surprisingly even for cuirassed busts with paludamentum. Considered to be the highest mark of quality, these striking, shiny surfaces were apparently more important in the early 2ⁿᵈ century A.D. than previously assumed. In addition, a special group of cuirassed busts from Attic workshops can show how specific elements in terms of style and iconography linked to local workmanship can also gain significance.