Question

Which term best describes a typical Roman sculpture depicting only the head and shoulders of a person?

Answer 1

A. bust

B. portrait sculpture
C. colossal statue

Answer 2

The correct answer is bust.

A bust is a sculpture that represents the upper part of the body (head, neck, shoulders). This piece of art is usually supported by a plinth which means a heavy base.

The portrait bust was invented in Hellenistic Greece. Not many original Greek examples of busts survived though, and most copies are Roman. In the  Roman tradition, wax masks of dead people were made and later worn at their funerals, in front of the popped up body of the deceased. The bust-making tradition may have had originated there.

Most busts were made from bronze, wax, terracotta, marble or wood.