Chasteen, Cody

Virtual Museum Salon 10

Although there is much influence between societies on their perceptions of beauty, each
time period of each civilization has its own distinct depiction of its respected forms. In Roman
Republican times, stressed physical attributes include signs of aging- wrinkles and receding
hairlines. These characteristics of age and wisdom can be seen in any Republican bust from the
1st Century BCE, including the bust of Julius Caesar. The art during the Sung Dynasty in China
took an entirely different approach. As depicted in the “Travelers among Streams and
Mountains” from the 11th Century, beauty is represented as unadultered nature free of human
intervention. The emphasis on the purity of nature shows the prevalence of Taoism in
influencing the Chinese.

The bust of Julius Caesar embodies Republican Rome’s preoccupation with realism and
wisdom over the idealized forms characteristic of the Greeks. As the world’s first republic, there
was no absolute ruler with total authority over the affairs of the state. So there was no need to
portray political leaders as perfect to justify their right to rule. Instead, emphasis is placed on
wisdom and reality. The wrinkles in Caesar’s face hint at a life characterized by many events
and experiences that have led to his current views and understandings. The receding hairline
suggests a lifetime of devotion to his country. The rest of the physical “impurities” help to
characterize Caesar as a man just like any other Roman, not some divinely-appointed demi-
god. These features help to depict the Roman ideals of beauty based on human reality and
wisdom from experience.

“Travelers among Streams and Mountains” shows a Taoist-influenced view on beauty

during the Sung dynasty. Humans are depicted as intruders of the natural world, which is
considered the epitome of beauty. This all follows the Taoist ideals that humans and nature
need to coexist peacefully. To attain the three jewels of Tao, one of the requirements is the
relationship between humanity and the cosmos (nature). Therefore, to attain the greatest state
of being, one must be in harmony with nature. So, nature is the most idealized state. In the
“Travelers among Streams and Mountains”, the great detail is used to show the intricacy and
depth of nature. The elements of water, earth, and air are also depicted interacting with each
other on perfect harmony. The Sung dynasty’s perception of beauty could be seen in the natural
world.

Not all societies portrayed beauty in the idealized forms of the human body. The
Romans found physical attractiveness in physical features that alluded to traits such as hard
work and leadership. And the artists in the Sung dynasty emphasized the allure and perfection
of nature. Each of these perceptions was profoundly influenced by either religious movements
or the governmental structure of the day.