ANCIENT ROMAN Art
1st century b.c. -
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Centered in the city of Rome, the civilization of Ancient Rome ruled much of Europe for over 1000 years. The arts flourished during this time and were often used by the wealthy and powerful to memorialize their deeds and heritage.
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Life syle. |
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Painting.Sculpture.ARCHITECTURE. |
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Key info - study of specific art pieces
7. The Pantheon – Emperor Hadrian 118-128 A.D.
Title: The Pantheon Architect: Unknown Date: 118-128 A.D. Style/Period: Roman Materials: Stone and Concrete Building’s features: The building is circular with a portico (porch) of large granite Corinthian columns (eight in the first rank and two groups of four behind) under a pediment. A rectangular vestibule links the porch to the rotunda (round room), which is under a coffered concrete dome, with a central opening (oculus) to the sky. The coffers in the dome reduced some of the massive weight and also added decoration. The sloped floor drains water into the gutters around the sides. The Pantheon is made of stone and marble with some wood in places. (example photo under Lifestyle) The Romans were exceptional builders and created many new architectural devices such as concrete. It was the invention of concrete that enabled the builders to make the dome. Almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon’s dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same (43.3 meters or 142 feet). The dome allowed for a huge open space without columns. The barrel vault that supports the dome is 6 meters thick. It is one of the best preserved buildings of Ancient Rome due to its continuous use. It was built at the height of Roman glory and power. It is currently a Catholic Churchdedicated to St. Mary and is a tomb to many including a few Kings and Queens of Italy. KEY ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES Line Form (geometric) Space (the large amount of negative space) Texture (a variety of surfaces and finishes) Balance (formal) Harmony & Rhythm Proportion Variety (in textures, forms, colours) |
10. Frieze in the Villa of Mysteries – 65-85 B.C.
Title: Frieze in the Villa of the Mysteries Artist: Unknown Date: 60-85 B.C. Style/Period: Roman Materials: Fresco wall painting This was a decorative work in the home of a wealthy Roman in Pompeii. The figures appear to be acting out a story on a stage. The composition is elevated just above eye level. The horizontal bands on top and at the bottom also reinforce the idea of the stage. The poses and clothes reflect the Greek Hellenistic period. The Fresco technique is where colours are mixed with marble dust and painted directly into wet plaster. The intensity of the colours in this work only exists because it was sealed in volcanic ash and lava for so long. |
8. Arch of Constantine – 315 A.D.
Title: Arch of Constantine Date: 312-315 A.D. Style/Period: Roman Materials: Stone and Marble Dimensions: 82ft wide and 67 ft high The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome, situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Emperor Constanine I’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. The arch spans the Via Triumphalis, the way taken by Emperors when then entered the city in triumph. The Emperors, Generals and Commanders went through the larger central arch on horseback while the soldiers walked through the smaller side ones. Once the design of the arch had been mastered, it was employed in the building of many structures such as the Colosseum, aquaducts, bridges, etc. The Arch of Constantine is made of stone and marble. It is 82 feet wide and 67 feet high. |
9. Portrait of Brutus – 80 B.C.
Title: Portrait of a Roman Artist: Unknown Date: 80 B.C. Style/Period: Roman Materials: Marble The Romans made wax death masks of the deceased. Plaster was poured into the mask to make a temporary model from which a marble sculpture could be copied. During the Roman period the rights of the individual were very important. Although there was an Emperor, citizens elected the government. This man may have been a government official. His strength of character is clearly shown. Compare this realism with the “ideal” sculptures of the Greeks. |
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