Gardners Art Through the Ages 12 e Chapter

Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, 12 e Chapter 10 -1 A From Seven Hills to Three Continents: The Art of Ancient Rome 1

The Roman World 2

Goals • Understand the great innovations of Roman architecture and how these innovations contributed to the expanse of the Roman Empire. • Explore Pompeii for its information about Roman art and architecture. • Examine the types, methods, and subject matter of Roman wall painting. • Understand what Roman portraiture says about Roman society. • Understand the political nature of Roman art and architecture, especially as it communicates ideas of power for the emperor and empire. • Examine changes in Roman art and architecture as a result of expansion of the Roman Empire and the incorporation of the conquered cultures. 3

Historical & Cultural influences on the transition from Classical Greek to Hellenistic Greek Art • Rise of Macedon – after the defeat of Athens in 404 BCE, the Greeks were weakened, and then overcome by Philip II of Macedon, then succeeded by Alexander the Great. • The political upheaval challenged the notion that rational human beings could impose order on their environment. • Refocused on individual rather than the ideal and on the real world of appearances. – The gods were humanized. 4

Historical & Cultural influences on the transition from Classical Greek to Hellenistic Greek Art • The gods were humanized. • Nobility in defeat. 5

Historical & Cultural influences on the transition from Classical Greek to Hellenistic Greek Art • In Hellenistic Greece the center was not Athens, but Antioch, Alexandria and Pergamon. – Much richer, more cosmopolitan culture emerged after Alexander the Great. – The 2 Aphrodites tell the story • By 2 nd cen. BCE the Greeks are under the control of the Romans. 6

Architectural Innovations • Sasanian: Ctesiphon – Barrel Vault • Egyptian: Gizeh – Pyramid 7

Architectural Innovations • Archaic Greece: Mycenae – Corbel Arch • Etruscan: Perugia – Keystone Arch 8

Architectural Innovations: ROME Barrel Vault Groin Vault • Multiple groin vaults allowed for clerestories • The invention of cement made possible an Architecture of Space, not Mass. Hemispheric Dome with Oculus 9

Architectural Innovations: ROME DEFINITIONS: Barrel vault: The extension of a simple arch creating a semi-cylindrical ceiling over parallel walls. It requires buttressing of the walls below the vaults to counteract their downward and outward thrust. Groin or cross vault: Formed by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults of equal size. Needs less buttressing and appears lighter than barrel vaults. Pseudo-peripteral: A series of engaged columns that run around the sides and back of the cella to give the appearance of a peripteral colonnade. 10

Temple of Fortunus Virilis ca. 75 BCE Etruscan influences? • The plan—the high podium is accessible only by the front via a wide flight of steps. • Columns are confined to the porch. Greek influences ? • The Ionic features—the fluted columns with bases and the Ionic frieze. • It is built of stone overlaid with stucco in imitation of Greek marble temples. Roman element ? • A series of engaged Ionic half-columns on the sides and back of the cella (pseudo-peripteral). 11

Temple of Vesta, Tivoli early 1 st cen. BCE • Corinthian columns • Podium only reachable by narrow staircase leading to cella door. • Used concrete for cella wall. 12

Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia late 2 nd cen. BCE 1 st grandiose complex symbolic of Roman power. • Covered a hillside • Made possible by cement and massive concrete barrel vaults. • Terraces led to central tholos 13

Art of The Republic (509 -27 B. C. ) • The role of Portraits in society. – Temples full of portraits of men from old & Gesii funerary relief ca, 30 BCE distinguished Certified their status as Roman citizens Roman families – Slaves/former slaves had no ancestor portraits as slaves were property. 14

Art of The Republic (509 -27 B. C. ) • Republican Verism: Influenced by Greeks, Etruscans & Egyptians, but celebrated their elevated position in society. • Thought head was enough, vs. the Greeks who wanted the whole body. • Wanted brutal realism, yet would put old head on young body. 15

Caesar Breaks the Rules – 44 BCE • First live person to appear on a coin in Roman [before that distinguished ancestors] 16

The Early Empire (27 B. C. – 98 A. D. ) • Explore Pompeii for its information about Roman art and architecture. • Understand the role of the Colosseum and amphitheater in Roman life. • Understand the concepts, methods and materials of Roman house construction and why it is significant. • Examine the types, methods, and subject matter of Roman wall painting. • Understand the development of Roman art and architecture as the empire expands and develops. 17

Roman Architecture in Pompeii • August 24, 79 CE Pompeii was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, thus preserving it for us to see. • Forum: Center of civic life, usually closed to traffic. • 2 story colonnades on 3 sides • “Capitoline”: Temple to Jupiter, Juno & Minerva. • Temple faced into the civic center, not isolated on a hill. • Standard Republican build – tufa covered in stucco. 18

Roman Architecture in Pompeii • Earliest amphitheater known. [double theater] ca. 7 BCE – modeled on Greek. • Radial barrel vaults form a retaining wall & support the earthen mound and the seats. • Painting : Record of a brawl between Pompeians and their neighbors in 59 CE. 19

The Roman House • Inward looking. • Had similar elements. • Were the focus of the social structure of a Roman city House of Vetti – rebuilt 62 -79 CE 20