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An important theme in Roman Republic art was the expression of moral authority. Art had a political function: to represent civic duty and civic pride. There was an emphasis on virtue exemplified in verism, gravitas, pietas (devotion to duty), and virtus (service). Roman patrons chose to have themselves represented with balding heads and wrinkles to express their acquired wisdom. It is common to see Greek influence in Roman Republic art.
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Sculptures in the early Roman Empire were a civic tool used as propaganda and a part of politics. There was an interest in creating detailed depictions of events that had actually occurred. Greek idealism is seen in godlike busts of emperors and military leaders, as well as in flowing drapery, idealized bodies, and smooth lines.
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