(artist unknown, located at Rome) (c.300 bc). Bust of Lucius Junius Brutus (according to tradition) [bronze and painted ivory eyes]. Palazzo dei Conservatori, Rome.

This is one of the most realistic portraits extant created in the general ancient time period. The pose is upright, yet the gaze and treatment of facial features clearly communicate concern, the weariness of civic responsibility, and deep insight. |

Is this a work of naturalism or realism? I would argue that, while not realistic to the degree of the statues of the Renaissance or what sculptors are capable of now, this work is clearly of a specific person, with an effectively-communicated countenance and individually rendered details, as opposed to using a repeating motif to establish details like head and beard hair. While true (in my opinion) to life, the sense of energy this statue captures gives the impression that it was rendered deliberately, but largely based on instinctual queues. 

The color and texture of the medium used gives the impression that this is an aged man with sun-darkened skin from a lifetime of Mediterranean farmland toil. On the other hand, the realistic rendering of his well-trimmed beard and hair suggest he may be a legislative official of some sort. As a statue portrait of a specific person, this work is appropriately balanced.

Major and minor contours are sharply defined; All forms, while natural, carry the rigid, tough nature of stoicism that is reflected in the figure’s gaze. There is actually a blocky, basic value pattern that switches twice from head to chest. Harmony is favored; it is subordinated to create the unique characteristics of the subject.

This work inspires a strong, pleasing conflict in the observer as to where the figure’s gaze is directed (external) and the thoughts scrolling in his mind (internal). This is because of how expertly his attention and mood are rendered. The honesty of expression this ancient work captures deserves high praise.