Sculptures fulfilled a publicity role, as they had no newspapers or photographs these sculptures were a way to communicate to the public.

Realism, hair gains volume, beard appears, Chiaroscuro effects

First, that sculpture in this text functions as a kind of mapping device, as a means of constructing or imagining a sacred territory. Second, that the resulting “sacred map” is actually more about locating self than the sacred, about negotiating identity within a particular place and time, and in the face of a variety of socio-politico-cultural forces, in this instance, Flavian Rome. (Ehrenkrook 2008)

Among the social institutions of ancient Rome, public baths were unique for their inclusive rather than exclusive policy and their vast appeal to the masses regardless of sex, color, creed, or wealth. Roman baths
. What is more interesting, although we have considerable evidence for social segregation in many other institutions of public entertainment, such as the theater, the amphitheater, the stadium and the circus where sits or blocks of seats were formally and rigidly reserved for certain classes or groups, the same groups in mentioned in their benefaction charters appear to have mixed in public baths without restrictions. (Yegul 2010)

when fine polished stones are carved, the strong light and reflections conceal the carving. The carving could best be seen by turning the carved part against a strong light." In alerting us to the importance of light, Ghiberti must have been speaking from experience, for the subtleties of his own bronze doors, with their gilding and miniaturist detail, practically disappear on a sunny day (Halls 2000).

A change in location as well as a change in light can radically alter the impact and meaning of sculpture.

chose to analyze the piece titled Akkadian Ruler that was created between 2300-2200 BCE in the northern city of Nineveh. This sculpture is a representation of a ruler of the Akkadian empire. His physical attributes are his long detailed beard, fitted head piece and face with eyes that have been disfigured. I believe that this sculpture shows strength and power due to it's physical properties.

This in the round sculpture is made out of bronze and is life-sized. The weight of this medium and because this sculpture is life-sized can show how strong this piece of artwork was intended to look. It can also make the viewers of this piece feel timid, again implying strength to this piece. If it was made out of a lighter material it may not have represented the same toughness or force. This piece is also created with deep rigid lines and grooves around his eyes and beard. These lines create shadows and depth giving this man a more vividness or strength to the areas that the artist may have wanted to enhance. The color of this sculpture is also an element that adds to the feeling of strength or power. Because it is a copper color instead of a white or grey, when light hits his face it creates a shine or reflection that may draw the eye in with a strong allure. The texture of this piece may be one of the most noticeable and striking elements. It's very rough and jagged and the only areas on this piece that don't have a rough texture are the man's cheeks and nose. His eyes, beard and hat all have detailed lines carved into them and the perfection of his beard can also represent the power that this man has. One of the first things that I noticed when looking at this piece is that this sculptures focus is facing forward. If his eyes were still clear and visible, it looks as though they would have been staring right back at the observer. If this man had a different focus, it may make the feeling of this piece weaker.

The sculpture also embodies power and strength through the smooth texture of the skin. The smoothness of the skin implies youth and vitality to me, which ties into you ideas of strength.

Perhaps even the gouged eyes can still attest to power and strength to a modern viewer, since one gets the sense that this piece has persisted throughout time and lasted for centuries. Even though the artist didn't create this sculpture with those damaged features, I think that the damage can still tie into your argument nicely.