I have been reading the story of Antinous bust at the Chicago Art Institute blog this morning, about of a new plaster cast of his features with new findings, I was also wondering how children would interpret, in their perception, of faces of ancient characters.
The discovery starts with materials, environment and curiosity of making connections. Marble was the most used kind of material for Roman sculptures. From the original material, we move to casting, plastering, reproduction of plastering and eventually find out that the process produces similarities of Antinous features in different material and techniques, as well as it produces differences. Due to the unique capabilities of each medium and technique of reproduction of the original, the improvement becomes a skill of art and science in researching the right interpretation of his face.
“a characteristic oval face, smooth complexion, deep-set eyes, full lips, and distinctive hairstyle of thick, wavy locks. Because of the relatively uniform nature of Antinous sculptures, scholars can fairly easily identify his portraits—even when they are missing the original face.”
Source : Chicago Art Institute Blog