Marble Sculptures

The Romans used to carry wax images of their ancestors in funeral processions, and wealthy families took pride in displaying busts of their ancestors at home. From the 2nd century BC it was common to have busts made of family members. Busts and statues were also made to honor people who had performed valiant deeds for the state Until the 19th century, artists received their commissions from the church or from the aristocracy.. This changed, and artists now started to work for public institutions and also received commissions from wealthy middle-class people. The bust was the most commonly used medium for official portraits, inspired by Roman examples.