Alexander Mosaic (*IS)

Original: c. 310 BCE, Roman copy c. 100 BCE Floor Mosaic based on Greek Mural, found in Pompeii Complex interweaving of characters Alexander at left is assured of success; Darius at right concedes while army flees

Roman Art and Architecture

Historical Background Historical Background Rome’s history is a rise from a humble village to a world power Originally ruled by kings, who were overthrown and replaced with a Senate Well-executed wars increased Rome’s fortunes and boundaries

Background Greece absorbed in 146 BCE ◦Greek culture and art valued by Romans ◦Much Roman art is little more than copying of Greek work Civil war caused by death of Julius Caesar – his adopted son Octavian eventually became Emperor in 27 BCE Rome remains an Empire until the city is sacked in 410 CE Pompeii’s preservation allows us to know more of daily life in Rome than of any other civilization

More background 117 BCE- First time in history a single government will rule an empire from the Nile to the Strait of Gibraltar, from the Tigris and Euphrates to Danube and Thames and beyond. No government before or after used art so effectively as a political tool. Roman General Trajan, led the Imperial Army to victory far west and east; thus, Rome unites cultures far and wide.

Some more background Territory spanned 3 continents Millions of people, diverse languages; numerous races; variety of cultures Britons, Gauls, Greeks, Egyptians, Africans, Syrians, Jews, Christians, etc.

A little more background Roman monuments and architecture are the most conspicuous and numerous remains of any ancient civilization. Today, Roman temples and basilicas are repurposed as churches. Remains of concrete buildings are incorporated into the architecture of restaurants, houses, factories, stores, museums and more. Roman amphitheaters stage bull fights, sports events, operas, and concerts.

You guessed it! Ships continue to dock in what were once Roman ports Western Europe’s highway system still closely follows the routes of Roman roads Roma law, government, calendar, language, even money live on in the Western world Roman artwork effectively drives modern political campaigns- the idea of manipulation Roman mastery of concrete construction guides developers today.

History Romulus and Remus- twins who, according to legend, founded the empire on the Tiber River on April 21, 753 BCE. Caput Mundi- head or capital of the world some hundreds of years later. However, in the 8 th century, Rome was essentially an Etruscan city. Small huts made of mud and brick dotted the countryside. Much work done in terra cotta early on.

Key Ideas Reflects the pride and ambition of a massive empire Monumental buildings and sculptures glorify gods and state A history of Roman painting survives on walls of Pompeiian villas Basic elements of perspective and foreshortening Foreshortening, method of rendering a specific object or figure in a picture in depth. The artist records, in varying degrees, the distortion that is seen by the eye when an object or figure is viewed at a distance or at an unusual angle. Greatly indebted to Greeks

Patronage State and wealthy individuals spent majorly on their homes; however, they also fully supported artists- very generous to public Demand for Greek works, HUGE workshops are created to accommodate production Many works are imported directly from Greece Homes were stages to display lavish wealth. 509 BCE: overthrow last of the Etruscan kings, Tarquinius Superbus, and establish Republic

Republic Power mainly vested in Senate- literally a council of elders, senior citizens, and two elected consuls. A consul was the highest elected political office of the Roman Republic. Each year, two consuls were elected together, to serve for a one-year term. Under extreme cases, a dictator could be appointed. Patricians- wealthy landowners Later- rulers also from plebeians (small farmers, merchants, freed slaves)

Architectural Innovations

Innovations Barrel vault- extended in space, forms a continuous tunnel-like construction Groin vault- intersection of two barrel vaults in which a large, open-space is formed. *Important because can be supported with only 4 corner piers(vertical support) Spandrels- spaces between the arches on the piers *Arches and vaults make enormous buildings possible. *Arches were used occasionally in Mesopotamia much earlier; post-and-lintel still the norm until Romans extend use of the arch and vault.

House of the Vettii (*IS)

The Domus played a key role is the Roman Republic. Not just a home, but a stage. Reinforced the social order. Patron (patronus) would receive his clients (clientes) in the atrium. Much pressure to have the best display of wealth as clients could discuss.

House of the Vettii (*IS) Originally built 2 nd century BCE, rebuilt ca. 62 – 79 CE Owned by two brothers – freedmen who became merchants Axial symmetry – anyone entering can see straight through house to garden in the rear (modern comparison?) No exterior windows – lighting comes from atrium and peristyle garden in rear

House of the Vettii (*IS) Atrium served as a reception area and is open to sky – center of floor is an impluvium or catch basin Cubicula radiate around garden – this is the home’s private area

Painting Styles

Head of a Roman Patrician (*IS) Ca. 75 – 50 BCE Realistic portrayal (where have we seen this?) A veristic portrait Features suggest experience and wisdom

Flavian Woman (*CS) Ca.80 – 90 CE Example of elaborate hairstyles in vogue at time

Augustus of Prima Porta (*IS) 20 CE, marble copy of bronze original Idealized view of Augustus ◦Compare with Doryphorous Sense of divine rule, blurring of god and man Armor shows he is a warrior; judge’s robes show he is a civic ruler At base – Cupid on dolphin, showing his descent from Venus

Forum of Trajan (*IS) 106 – 112 CE Built by Apollodorus of Damascus to commemorate Trajan’s victory of the Dacians Central plaza flanked by stoas

Basilica Ulpia (*IS) 385’x112’ (huge interior space) Wide nave, two apses Contained galleries, law courts Timber roof 80’ wide Named for Trajan’s family (birth name: Marcus Ulpius Traianus)

Markets of Trajan (*IS) Multilevel mall with over 150 shops Semicircular construction Main space is groin- vaulted; shops placed in barrel vaults

Column of Trajan (*IS) Trajan’s tomb – ashes buried in base 128 feet high, narrative around column tells his victory over Dacians Low relief; scholars unsure how upper parts were viewed Interior staircase allowed visitors to climb to top

Flavian Amphitheatre (Colosseum) (*IS)

72 – 80 CE Seated 50,000 Concrete Core, brick case, travertine facing 76 entrances Used for violent spectacles but not religious persecution Façade has engaged columns, each level is a different order

The Pantheon (*IS)

The Pantheon 118 – 125 CE Dedicated to all gods Corinthian capital with two pediments Square coffers and floor panels contrast with the roundness of walls Built with variety of concretes to lighten structure

Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus Ca CE Very crowded surface; figures lack individuality Reflects confusion of battle Romans defeat barbarians General is helmetless; indicating invincibility