Answer :
Final answer:
Verism in Roman portraiture is shown through exaggerated facial features, conveying experience and authority, and was significant in the social and political realms of the Late Roman Republic.
Explanation:
Verism in Roman portraiture, such as those seen in representations of a father and grandfather, is characterized by exaggerated facial features. Verism is a form of hyperrealism that emphasizes the naturally occurring features of an individual, sometimes to the point of exaggeration. This artistic approach is particularly evident in the busts of elder Roman statesmen from the Late Roman Republic, which depict features such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and a toothless appearance to convey a sense of gravitas and virtus. These veristic portraits were not just for aesthetics; they served as a means to display one's wisdom, experience, authority, and the marks of their endeavors. The practice was especially important for aristocratic families and 'new men' looking to assert their status within a competitive socio-political landscape.
