In what manner did Roman sculpture differ from Greek sculpture?

Roman sculpture is distinguished by its emphasis on portrait realism, which reflects the Roman culture’s values and priorities. Unlike Greek sculpture, which often celebrated idealized beauty and the perfect human form—aiming to depict gods and heroes in an exaggerated, ideal state—Roman art sought to capture individuals as they truly appeared, with all their imperfections and unique characteristics.

This focus on realism allowed Roman sculptors to create lifelike portraits, including detailed representations of facial features, wrinkles, and expressions that conveyed personal identity and experience. This practice was not only a reflection of individualism but also served political purposes, as realistic portraits were often used in public spaces to honor leaders and important citizens, reinforcing their status and legacy.

In contrast to this emphasis on realism, the other options present characteristics more aligned with Greek sculptural traditions. The Greeks were more focused on the idealized forms of beauty, which can be seen in their classical sculptures that often depict figures in graceful and balanced poses. Roman sculpture, while it did incorporate some aspects of idealization, predominantly highlighted the authenticity of individual characteristics over the pursuit of a universally ideal form.