Ancient Rome The Organizers. Roman Art Philosophy: Efficiency, organization, practicality Art Forms: Mosaics, realistic wall paintings, idealized civic.

Ancient Rome

The Organizers

Roman Art

Philosophy: Efficiency, organization, practicality Art Forms: Mosaics, realistic wall paintings,

idealized civic sculpture Most Famous Building: Pantheon Signature City: Rome Role Model: Greece Major Contributions: Law, engineering, and

cement

The Legacy of Rome

Roman architects used Greek forms but developed new construction techniques: Arch: to span greater distances than the Greek post

and lintel Other Roman contributions:

Basilica: an oblong building with semicircular apses on either end-used as a meeting place

Barrel Vault: deep arch forming a half cylindrical roof Groin Vault: two intersecting barrel vaults at the same height

that form a right angle. (See page 125)

Is it Greek or Roman?

The Pantheon, A.D. 118-125, Rome.The domed rotunda of the Pantheon illustrates the Roman architect’s ability to enclose space.

See page 135 text

Is it Greek or Roman?

Parthenon, 448-432 B.C., AthensThe Parthnon’s triangular pediment and columned portico show classic Greek temple format.

Is it Greek or is it Roman?Greek & Roman art & architecture are often confused.

Greeks Temples to glorify gods

Walls made of stone blocks

Rectangular, straight lines Post and lintel support Idealized god sculpture Stylized figures floating in

space in Paintings Mythology subject of art

Roman Civic buildings to honor

Empire (baths, forums) Walls of concrete with

ornamental facings Circles, curved lines Rounded arch & vault support

Realistic human beings sculpture

Realistic images with perspective

Civic leaders; military triumphs

Roman Architecture: Vaulting Ambition

Besides Roman Law, another one of Rome’s most valuable contributions was: Architecture and Engineering

Roman Builders developed: the arch, the vault, the dome and pioneered the creative use of concrete

Their engineering skills allowed immense covering of interior space without inner support.

Rome’s Wealth

Rome became incredibly rich due to their conquerings. Nero’s palace “The

Golden House” Most opulent residence

in antiquity Featured Banquet room

with perfume sprinklers Domed Revolving Roof

for guests to view constellations.

Nero’s Palace

The more extravagant the better!

Baths of Caracalla Where capacity

crowds of 1600 bathed in pools of varying water temperatures.

Romans Loved Baths!

Roman Sculpture: Politics as Usual

Romans copied the Greeks until gradually they developed their own style.

Generally, Roman sculpture was more literal. Wax death masks of ancestors adorned their

homes. They were realistic and completely factual & had a large influence on sculptors.

An Exception to Rule. . .

Was the assembly line production of god-like busts of emperors, politicians and military leaders that established a political presence throughout Europe. During Rome’s decline, portrait

busts reverted to brutal honesty. . .

See pages 143, 144, 145for other examples

Marcus Aurelius, A.D. 165, Rome. He was a Stoic philosopher who detested war. Sculptor reflects his gentleness.

Narrative Relief

Another principle form of Roman sculpture.

Column of Trajan, 650 ft. long relief, commemorating mass slaughter in 150+scenes.

Panels of sculpted figures decorated triumphal arches depicting victorious armies.

The Column of Trajan, 106-113 AD

The Colosseum

Still one of the world’s largest buildings in terms of sheer mass & the inspiration for present day stadiums.

Used for large scale public entertainment.

Opening act: Naval Battle Scene (300 cast)

Other Acts: Starving Lions, Man vs. Bear, etc.

Pompeii: A City Turned to Carbon

A luxury resort community, Pop.25000 - 79AD

Destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius eruption Was covered &

forgotten for 1700 years . . . Preserved!

Pompeii Findings

Scientific excavation disclosed whole villas in which every wall was painted with realistic still lifes and landscapes and make believe windows

Style: immitations of colored marble to trompe l’oeil

Mastery of tricks of perspective, light and shadow… and mosaics.

Mural Paintings On or Near Site

View of the Frescos at the Villa of the Mysteries near Pompeii, 65-50 BC (pg.146 text)

Mural Paintings:

Executed in Buon Fresco but with small amounts of wax added to increase shine.

Created illusions of framed art

Narrative Order Scenes