Roman Art 700 BCE395 CE SheWolf Example of

Roman Art 700 BCE-395 CE She-Wolf Example of Aqueduct

Map of Roman Republic and Empire

Etruscan Art (forerunner to Roman) Starting 750 BCE Etruscans controlled northern and central Italy (Etruria) n They were sailors, merchants, farmers, and metalworkers. n Admired Greek and neighboring arts but did not copy, therefore, established a distinctive Etruscan style of art n

Etruscan Art n Temples n Sculpture: Terra-cotta figures: Apollo n Tombs/Paintings n Bronze Work

Background of Rome n Roman Republic 509 BCE - 27 BCE (formed when expelled the Etruscan kings) n n Roman Empire 27 BCE - 395 CE n n n Government led by few (450 years) 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 n Many paintings and art were destroyed n Many sculptures of bronze, stone, and marble as well as buildings were eventually recovered n Body cast have been made of victims buried in the volcanic ash. n

Characteristics of Roman Art style was built on a foundation of Greek with elements of Etruscans, Egyptians, and Persians n Known for their architecture and engineering rather than art such as painting, pottery, and sculpture. n Strong desire for realism n

Roman Art n Sculpture n n Realistic – showing appearance of everyday world Portraiture of both publicly known and private individuals Augustus of Primaporta Young Flavian Woman Constantine the Great

n Contributed to Roman imperial propaganda Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius Arch of Titus

n Paintings n Wall Paintings-empty walls in houses were painted with various scenes and architecture. n Landscapes § Linear Perspective § Atmospheric perspective n Still Life

n Portraits n Very popular both for royality and nonroyality Young Woman Writing Septimius Severus, Julia Domna, and their Children

n 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 n n n n n Forums and basilicas Circuses Theaters Public baths Roads Bridges Aqueducts Residences (Apartments and Villas) Temples Colosseums

Examples of Rome’s architecture and engineering Colosseum Dome of the Pantheon (colosseum) (temple)

n Roman Circus Maximus Circus

n Roman Forum

Architecture and Engineering cont. Pont du Gard (aqueduct and bridge) Roman Theater (Theater)

Roman Architecture and Engineering cont Apartment Block (housing for middle class) House of the Vettii (Upper class Villa)

Romans invented 3 important Architectural forms n Dome

n Arch

n Vault

n Mosaics n n n Very popular for wealthy Romans to decorate homes Tesserae: colored stone or marble So detailed they looked like paintings Detail from Roman Mosaic

n Monument sculpture n n n 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… n During the reign of Diocletian (284 -305 CE) art took on a new appearance. Though still depicting real events, it appeared simplified and abstracted.