Roman Republican portrait art "traditions and styles"

Portrait is a form of depiction that separates the individual from the other members of society. Individual's physical characteristics and meaning attributed to individual by society have a great effect as well as religious beliefs and rituals in forming of the portrait. Portrait art of which formation is observed in the most primitive societies has had the opportunity of development with other cultures in every period. The tradition of skull preservation seen in hunter-gatherer societies is the indicator of existence of portrait concept. With the changing structure of society and effect of other cultures, sense of portrait has changed in time. In every societies, different styles of portrait concept emerges. For instance, in the Egyptian sculpture the individual is at the forefront, whereas in Ancient Greek sculpture and till the Late Classical period there are not any works can be considered as a portrait. However, by the Hellenistic period great progress has been made in the art of portrait. When we examine all of these styles and modes, we can see an accurate reflection of portrait concept in the Roman period. Roman portrait art blended with different cultures by expanding geographical location reflects an eclectic style. Greek, Etruscan and Latin impressions can be seen in Roman portraits. However, along with these effects, 'Ancestor Cult' gives the greatest contribution to the advancement of Roman portrait art. The cult belief seen in the Roman homes is an important starting point for the development of portrait art. Romans who keep their ancestors' mask in their homes have protected their culture in this way. This process that began with Ancestor Cult has given its place to the portrait in later periods and by this way the portrait tradition has been an honor indicator for the Romans. These effects which are seen during the Roman Republican period have given their place to veristic style especially by Late Republican period. Detailing concept lies behind this style which we call it 'Realism'. Every details are elaborated in portraits which are created with Veristic style. Senile expression, malaise, facial lines are depicted in the portrait without concealment. Versitic style dominated in Late Republican period shows its effect in the later periods. Keywords: Rome, Portrait, Ancestor Cult, Eclecticism, Veristic.