Roman Art 700BCE-395CE Example of Aqueduct She-Wolf
Map of Roman Republic and Empire
Etruscan Art (forerunner to Roman) Starting 750 BCE Etruscans controlled northern and central Italy (Etruria) They were sailors, merchants, farmers, and metalworkers. Admired Greek and neighboring arts but did not copy, therefore, established a distinctive Etruscan style of art
Etruscan Art Temples Sculpture: Terra-cotta figures: Apollo Tombs/Paintings Bronze Work
Background of Rome Roman Republic 509 BCE - 27 BCE (formed when expelled the Etruscan kings) Government led by few (450 years) Roman Empire 27 BCE - 395 CE Government led by an emperor (422 years) Saw themselves as heroic conquers as they took over the entire Italian peninsula and eventually surrounding areas. Religion was a mixture of Roman gods, Greek gods, living rulers, and conquered rulers. Government tried to control. By the end of Roman Empire the religion was officially Christianity
Pompeii The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried by the horrendous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE Many paintings and art were destroyed Many sculptures of bronze, stone, and marble as well as buildings were eventually recovered Body cast have been made of victims buried in the volcanic ash.
Characteristics of Roman Art Art style was built on a foundation of Greek with elements of Etruscans, Egyptians, and Persians Known for their architecture and engineering rather than art such as painting, pottery, and sculpture. Strong desire for realism
Roman Art Sculpture Realistic – showing appearance of everyday world Portraiture of both publicly known and private individuals Augustus of Primaporta Young Flavian Woman Constantine the Great
Contributed to Roman imperial propaganda Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius Arch of Titus
Paintings Wall Paintings-empty walls in houses were painted with various scenes and architecture. Landscapes Linear Perspective Atmospheric perspective Still Life
Portraits Very popular both for royality and nonroyality Septimius Severus, Julia Domna, and their Children Young Woman Writing
Architecture – Romans are know for inventive techniques in architecture and engineering. In addition to architecture, systems of law and governmental structures, are some of Rome’s most important contributions to western civilization. Types of Architecture Forums and basilicas Circuses Theaters Public baths Roads Bridges Aqueducts Residences (Apartments and Villas) Temples Colosseums
Examples of Rome’s architecture and engineering Colosseum (colosseum) Dome of the Pantheon (temple)
Roman Circus Maximus Circus
Roman Forum Forum
Architecture and Engineering cont. Roman Theater (Theater) Pont du Gard (aqueduct and bridge)
Roman Architecture and Engineering cont House of the Vettii (Upper class Villa) Apartment Block (housing for middle class)
Romans invented 3 important Architectural forms Dome
Arch
Vault
Mosaics Very popular for wealthy Romans to decorate homes Tesserae: colored stone or marble So detailed they looked like paintings Detail from Roman Mosaic
Monument sculpture Some were in the form of a triumphal arch – part architecture, part sculpture. Officials commissioned them to celebrate a victory and parade troops, captives, and plunder through. Recorded Historical events through words and relief sculpture Served as political propaganda
Examples of Monumental Sculpture Arch of Titus Column of Trajan
A change in Roman art style… During the reign of Diocletian (284-305CE) art took on a new appearance. Though still depicting real events, it appeared simplified and abstracted.