verism

(noun)

An ancient Roman technique, in which the subject is depicted with "warts and all" realism.

Related Terms

(noun)

The style of portraiture favored during the Roman Republic in which the subjects were portrayed in a super-realistic likeness; from the Latin word for "true."

Related Terms

Examples of verism in the following topics:

  • Neoclassical Sculpture

    • In a style influenced by ancient Roman verism, he appears as an elderly man to honor his wisdom.
    • His portrait bust of Washington depicts the first President of the United States as a stern, yet competent leader, with the influence of Roman verism evident in his wrinkled forehead, receding hairline, and double chin.

  • Roman Sculpture under the Republic

    • Portraiture throughout the Republic celebrated old age with its verism.
    • Verism refers to a hyper-realistic portrayal of the subject's facial characteristics.
    • The popularity and usefulness of verism appears to derive from the need to have a recognizable image.
    • Portraits of Pompey combine a degree of verism with an idealized hairstyle reminiscent of Alexander the Great.
    • Verism refers to a hyper-realistic portrayal of the subject's facial characteristics.