Compare and contrast Nefertiti Bust and a Flavian Woman Bust (Fonseca Bust)

Question

Provide some similarities and differences in purposes of usage, style, depiction, etc. of Nefertiti Bust and a Flavian Woman Bust (Fonseca Bust).

Answer 1

Hi Khanh

Here are some similarities and differences:

First some general context, Ancient Egyptian sculpture could render facial features very well and in such a way that sitters were easily recognizable, but because of the sculpting techniques used and perhaps stylistic reasons as well the sculptures emphasized hieratic features, that is highly formal and stylized details that have symbolic meaning. Nefertiti’s bust is exceptional because it breaks with these traditions and offers a highly stylized but personal rendering of the subject in the way similar to what is expected from a portrait in the modern sense. This is precisely what Roman sculpture was known for, true portraiture, the sculptors sought to render individuality rather that generality; this is what makes this comparison meaningful.

So the first similarity is that they both seem to be portraits, emphasizing individuals rather that ideals. Nefertiti is almost smiling, the Flavian woman turn as if she heard us coming and turned to interact.

The second similarity is that dress or accessories (the hat and the hairdo) has been used to frame the face and enhance it, specially as it contrast with the slender long neck which has been exaggerated for the same purpose

One difference is precisely in the meaning of the dress and accessories; Nefertiti wears the symbols of power, The Flavian sculpture does not display overt power symbols, the only sign of her status perhaps in the fact that she was depicted at all, this perhaps only because we do not see the bust in the place for which it was originally intended demonstrating that in some cases power is in placement.