ART HISTORY -ROMAN

ANCIENT ROMAN Art

1st century b.c. -
4th century a.d.

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.

Life syle.

Romans used elements from older cultures especially Greece
initially the Romans were overwhelmed by Greek art (esp. statues) as it began to influx into Rome and was used as decorations in Roman forums
as all the original pieces were claimed, the Romans made their own copies of the Greek art
as time went on the Romans put their own spin on Greek art
lived in organized towns and cities
build practical structures to deal with the city life
Rome was a huge city of 1 million people
they had to create ways of bringing food and water into the city and create entertainment for the citizens
the Romans loved to take baths
very little is left of Roman art except in the city of Pompeii, when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.
they had patterned streets, theaters, temples, fountains, baths, markets, bridges, etc.
eventually huge Basilicas, public baths, Triumphal arches and aqueducts were built

Painting.

Sculpture.

ARCHITECTURE.

created narrative relief paintings often using the Fresco technique of painting into wet plaster
often painted panels of figures in military exploits
also painted and decorated triumphal arches

more literal
they sculpted real people from wax death masks creating a factual record of the person’s character and appearance

Basilicas, triumphal arches, civic buildings, and practical structures
invented concrete and discovered how to use the arch and create a vault, these factors led to their creation of the dome
new creations were possible with the concrete
building materials included brick, stone, concrete, tiles, and iron
used many Greek elements in their buildings
An aqueduct is "a system that carried water from mountain streams into cities by using gravitational flow"

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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