Europe and Surrounding Areas
Around 500 B.C., a group called the Latins took over the peninsula formerly held by the Etruscans (present day Italy), and founded Rome on the banks of the Tiber River. Here the ''Romans'' quickly established a formidable empire, and extended their power from Mesopotamia to Britain, bringing their language, their laws and their arts to a vast area of both Europe and Asia. The art of Rome therefore is very eclectic in nature, but although it borrows from a variety of styles (foremost among these being Greek) it has certain identifiable traits regardless of where within the Roman Empire it was created.
Architecture
A Roman Aquaduct at Segovia Spain, c. AD 100.
The greatest achievement of Imperial Rome was architecture. The Romans built vast and complex structures to aid in the administration of their empire. They were also very proficient at building roads, many of which are still in use in Rome and former Roman provinces. The aquaduct above is one of the smallest built, stetching 10 miles in length. Some of the more ambitious aquaducts were upwards of 60 miles in length. What were these structures used for? Take a look at the image of another famous Roman structure below, the Colosseum. What architectural traits do the two structures share?
The Colosseum, c. AD 72, Rome.
The Romans used the Colosseum for a variety of purposes. What do you think it could have been used for? How large does it appear to be? Through the invention of new building techniques, like the arch, the dome, the barrel vault and the groin vault, and their usage of Potsalana sand in their cement mixtures, the Romans were able to build durable and impressive buildings. Some of these structures were dedicated to their gods, some were dedicated to their leaders. For what purpose would each of the structures below have been built?
The Arch of Constantine, AD 315, Rome.
The Pantheon, c. AD 125, Rome.
The Maison Carree, c. 100 BC, Nimes France.
The last picture should look very familiar to you. What does it remind you of? How does it differ from the Greek temples that we studies last week? What does this tell you about Roman art and artists.
Sculpture
A Republican Man, c. 100 BC, Rome.
The image above is called the Republican Man. Why do you think it was named this? How does it differ from the sculpture of the Greeks? Is it idealistic or realistic? What makes it so?
Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, AD 170, Rome.
Colossal Head of Constantine the Great, AD 330, Constantinople.
The last two sculptures both depict Roman leaders. How do they differ? What are the reasons for the differences in the way these rulers were represented? Have you heard of these people before? Do you think Roman leaders were as important to their people as our political leaders are to us today?
Painting
Unlike the Greeks, it appears that the Romans painted everywhere and on everything! The Romans would sometimes bring in artists from Greece to aid them in their artistic endeavours. Is this evident in the paintings below?
Cithara, AD 70, Boscoreale.
Maiden Gathering Flowers, c. AD 100, Naples.
The Hunter, AD 350, Sicily.
Roman painting was very secular in nature, it was not reserved for special areas or special people. Ordinary Romans would frequently hire muralists to paint the walls of their homes. So commonplace were these Roman murals that one has even been unearthed in a Roman home depicting a family pet, and bearing the inscription ''Cave Canum'' - Beware of Dog!
THE CHURCH?!?!?!?!
So where was the Christian Church in all this? Christ after all did die around AD 30, yet we have seen no trace of Him in Roman art. The answer lies underground.... and in next week's discussion...
