▶ Your Answer :
The reading passage contends several evidences that a
life-sized bust found in Rhone River depicted Julius Caesar; the features of
the bust, the area where it was found, and the material used to make the statue.
On the other hand, the lecturer brings up several points why these evidence are
not reliable.
First, the lecturer argues that there is no reason to
say the statue resemble Caesar. According to the reading passage, Caesar’s appearance
can be shown in the bust such as deep wrinkles, a receding hairline and prominent
chin that points forward. However, lecturer mentioned that these features easily
can be found from most of the rulers in the century so there is no
distinguishable feature of Caesar in the bust. This casts doubt on the reading
passage’s argument that the bust’s characteristics matches with all accounts of
Caesar.
Second, the lecturer mentioned that there is no
relation between the area the statue was found and Caesar. This is because the
Arles was set up as colony not by Caesar but by Nero. Thus, it is more likely
to the bust depict Nero rather than Caesar because people lived that area would
have considered that Nero as the true founder of the Arles. This refutes the
reading passage’s assertion that the statue was commissioned to celebrate Caesar’s
colony foundation.
The final point made by lecturer is that the material
used to statue does not mean that it is made for ruler. The lecturer asserted
that white marble was not likely to be used when artists make statue for ruler
or other public member. Due to rare bright and uniform color, white marble was
expensive and thus, it is likely to be used when artists make statues for
wealthy individuals who would have been willing to pay for it. This counters
reading passage’s argument that while marble would be used for ruler because of
its great cost |