So interesting on how Roman Republican verism was not simple realism but a strategic visual system that turned age and physical severity into visible signs of moral authority, credibility, and civic trust. It made me think about the equivalent 'verism' today, where public figures and politicians seem to do something similar in 'official' images via posture (smiling 'relaxed chat' with member of public), dress (rolled up sleeves) etc. to signal credibility and competence. Would love to know your thoughts.