04-01 Roman Art

04-01 Notes on Roman Art

Roman Art & Architecture

Overview:

This is a summary of key periods, themes, and important monuments in Roman art and architecture. It is based on the notes of a talk by Dr. Laurence Shafe title “04-01 Roman Art”. The talk begins with a brief historical overview of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, then delves into the influences and characteristics of Roman art and architecture throughout its various stages of development, ending with its lasting legacy.

Key Themes and Ideas:

• Practicality and Adaptation: The Romans were “practical, down-to-earth people who excelled at war and administration.” They admired Greek art, collecting it and employing Greek artists, but also added their own elements and innovations.
• Historical Context: The presentation emphasizes the importance of understanding Roman art within its historical context, covering the Republic, Early Empire, and Late Empire. Key periods mentioned are Early Republic, Late Republic, Early Empire, and Late Empire.
• Materials and Function: Roman art and architecture utilized materials like concrete, marble, and volcanic rock. Their creations served religious, civic, commemorative, leisure, and everyday purposes. “Buildings were for religious and civic purposes, commemoration, as well as dwellings and leisure purposes.”
• Influence of Etruscan and Greek Art: Early Roman art was heavily influenced by Etruscan and Greek styles. The document mentions the adaptation of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders in temples. “Early Roman art was influenced by Etruscan and Greek but we know very little about what was produced during the first few hundred years of Rome independence from the Etruscans.”
• Portraiture: The development of realistic portrait sculptures is highlighted as a significant Roman contribution. “Accurate portraiture was an important art form for the Romans.” Portrait busts were used to commemorate the dead and display ancestral greatness: “Portrait busts were taken from casts made during the lifetime of the person of from death masks as an accurate depiction, ‘warts and all’ was regarded as important.”
• Golden Age under Augustus: The reign of Augustus marked a “golden age” with artistic advancements, architectural marvels, and the Pax Romana. Key examples include the Ara Pacis Augustae and the Roman Forum.
• Architectural Innovations: The Romans were masters of engineering, particularly in the use of concrete. The document highlights the Pantheon and Colosseum as examples of innovative features and symbolic importance. “Rome built large, buildings that were well engineered and many were used Roman concrete.”
• Narrative Reliefs: The development of narrative reliefs for historical depictions was also important
• Pompeian Art: Pompeian art provides valuable insights into domestic life and decoration.
• Flavian Dynasty: The Flavian Colosseum and the Arch of Titus are noted as key achievements of this dynasty. The Baths of Caracalla exemplified grand scale and luxury.
• Decline of the Empire: The late Empire saw political and social changes leading to its decline. There was a shift towards religious art, the rise of Early Christian symbols, and architectural changes due to resource constraints and defensive needs.
• Byzantine Connection: The document touches upon the development of Byzantine art and its connection to Roman traditions.
• Legacy: The Roman artistic and architectural legacy influenced later movements like the Renaissance. Roman innovations in engineering, law, and language continue to have an impact today.
• Defensive Architecture in Late Empire: During this period, there was “a shift towards more defensive and fortified architecture, especially in the provinces… smaller-scale buildings and thicker walls, likely for defensive purposes.” Examples include the Arch of Septimius Severus and Diocletian’s palace.
• Decline in Artistic Quality: The Arch of Constantine is highlighted to show the deterioration in the quality of craftsmanship. The practice of “spoila”, reusing sculptures from earlier monuments, along with the Constantinian additions being “more abstract than naturalistic,” demonstrated this decline.

Key Monuments and Examples:

• Ara Pacis Augustae: “One of the most famous examples of Augustan monumental sculptures in Rome” It symbolizes peace, prosperity, and religious piety during Augustus’s reign. “The Ara Pacis features intricate sculptural friezes that illustrate the origins of Rome, the Julian lineage, and the peace and prosperity of Augustus’ rule.”
• Colosseum: A symbol of Flavian ingenuity and a venue for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
• Pantheon: Notable for its innovative use of concrete and its massive, unreinforced dome. “The dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world at 43 metres.”
• Trajan’s Column: Commemorates Trajan’s victory in the Dacian Wars with detailed narrative reliefs.
• Arch of Titus: Commemorates Titus’s victory in the Jewish rebellion and contains panels depicting the spoils taken from the Jewish Temple.
• Baths of Caracalla: Exemplify the grand scale and luxurious features of Roman public baths.
• Hadrian’s Villa: “A masterpiece that uniquely brings together the highest expressions of the material cultures of the Mediterranean world.” Includes architectural elements from across the Roman Empire.
• The Capitoline Wolf: The legendary founders of Rome. “It is possibly a 5th century BCE Etruscan bronze wolf but the twins were added by the Renaissance artist Antonio del Pollaiuolo”
• Aldobrandini Wedding: Fresco that provides insight into Roman wedding ceremonies and mythology.

Periods of Roman History

• Early Republic (509-27 BCE): Expansion and political experimentation.
• Late Republic (27 BCE-44 BCE): Corruption, instability, and the rise of powerful generals.
• Early Empire (27 BCE-193 CE): The Pax Romana, trade, and prosperity.
• Late Empire (193 CE-476 CE): Political instability, economic woes, and barbarian invasions.

Christianity

• 312 CE: Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity
• 313 CE: Edict of Milan granted legal status to Christianity
• 380 CE: Christianity became the official state religion of the Roman Empire

Conclusion:

Roman art and architecture were characterized by practicality, adaptation, and a focus on communicating power, history, and cultural values. From innovative engineering to realistic portraiture and grand public works, the Romans left a lasting legacy that continues to influence art, architecture, law, and culture today.