Ancient Rome - Dakota State University
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Transcript Ancient Rome - Dakota State University
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., Athens
The 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
Roman
Rectangular, straight lines
Post and lintel support
Idealized god sculpture
Stylized figures floating in
space in Paintings
Mythology subject of art
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
Romans Loved Baths!
The more extravagant
the better!
Baths of Caracalla
Where capacity
crowds of 1600 bathed
in pools of varying
water temperatures.
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, 145
for 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
Mural Paintings:
Executed in Buon Fresco but with
small amounts of wax added to
increase shine.
View of the Frescos at
the Villa of the
Mysteries near Pompeii,
65-50 BC (pg.146 text)
Created illusions of framed art
Narrative Order Scenes