NARRATOR: Commodus was a controversial Roman emperor, identified here by his characteristic features: a long face and protruding, hooded eyes. His rule was tumultuous, marked by political unrest, assassination attempts, and multiple executions. He was a notorious megalomaniac---at one point renaming Rome to "Colonia Commodiana" or "Colony of Commodus."
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JANE FIJFER: We have several images of Commodus in the guise of Hercules, with the cloak and the lion's skin.

NARRATOR: Believing he embodied the hero's strength, Commodus famously fought in the Colosseum, ruthlessly slaughtering animals and humans alike. It's tempting to read the seemingly haughty expression of his portrait as a comment by the artist on Commodus' character, but Professor Jane Fijfer of the University of Copenhagen says that would be a mistake.

JANE FIJFER: We must remember that these portraits were not made to ridicule the emperor. They were made to construe the embodiment of the good qualities of the emperor. The grooming of his hair and his beard suggest civility with his Roman citizens. The draping of the bust, his military cloak, draws attention to his manly power, and his ability to defend the empire.