videos + essays
![Jean-Antoine Houdon, <em>George Washington</em>](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Houdon-thumb-570x350.jpg)
Jean-Antoine Houdon, George Washington
Lack of an American sculptural tradition compelled Jefferson to look to France for this portrait of Washington.
![Rome’s history in four faces at The Met](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/romebuststhumb-570x350.jpg)
Rome’s history in four faces at The Met
Realism, ideal beauty, and military might—explore the evolution of Roman portraits and political imagery.
![Seated Gudea holding temple plan](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/gudeathumb2-570x350.jpg)
Seated Gudea holding temple plan
Shown with an architectural plan in his lap, this prince constructed temples to the gods and likenesses of himself.
![The importance of the archaeological findspot: The Lullingstone Busts](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/lullleftface-fixed-wide-570x350.jpg)
The importance of the archaeological findspot: The Lullingstone Busts
What do we gain when works come from a well-documented excavation?
![Portrait of Vespasian](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/screen-shot-2017-03-02-at-7-16-11-am-570x350.png)
Portrait of Vespasian
In ancient Rome, official portraits were full of political messages. What does Vespasian’s portrait say about him?
![Portrait Bust of a Flavian Woman (Fonseca Bust)](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/flavfacegood-copy-2.jpeg)
Portrait Bust of a Flavian Woman (Fonseca Bust)
Is this delicate female portrait what we think? Take part in a discussion of a masterpiece we know little about.
![Owie Kimou, Portrait Mask <em>(Mblo)</em> of Moya Yanso (Baule peoples)](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Baule-thumb-570x350.jpg)
Owie Kimou, Portrait Mask (Mblo) of Moya Yanso (Baule peoples)
This mask is a portrait of a particular woman, but was worn and danced by her male relatives.
![<em>Capitoline Brutus</em>](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/brutus-570x350.jpg)
Capitoline Brutus
Once identified as the founder of the Roman Republic, debate over this figure’s true identity rages on.
![<em>Portraits of the Four Tetrarchs</em>](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/tetrarchs-detail-570x350.jpg)
Portraits of the Four Tetrarchs
Learn how the solid, abstracted forms of these co-emperors reject earlier understanding of the human body.
![<em>Portrait Head of Queen Tiye</em>](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Tiye-570x350.jpg)
Portrait Head of Queen Tiye
Tiye was a powerful figure, but her royal life was complicated, as demonstrated through this changing statue.