Roman Iberia

Portrait busts

[Ibero-Roman bronze portrait bust of a lady of Ampuriae] 1. Bronze portrait bust of a lady of Ampuriae, Ampuriae, Spain, end 1st c. A.D. (Barcelona, Mus. Arg.). 0.38 meter heigh. Typical of plebian Iberian provincial style. The technology of caste bronze, formal beauty and tectonic composition at expense of naturalism reflect Romano-Hellenistic influences in Iberia. Local plebeian tastes are seen in the eyes, made expressive by the use of enamel inlay, the nose and fuller mouth, which lend excitement to the formal surfaces.
[Ibero-Roman portrait bust of a woman] 2. Portrait bust of a woman, 2nd-3rd c. (Aquileia: Mus. Naz.). Iberian plebian style; emotional and stiff, rather than naturalistic.