Roman Art

The Rising Power of Rome: Origins of Rome  Under rule of Etruscan kings, Rome grew in size and importance.  By end of 6 th Century, Rome was the richest and largest city in Italy.  Romans wanted independence, so in 509 B.C. drove out Etruscans and established republic.

The Rising Power of Rome  Most of the roman art was copied from the Greeks  It can be said that the Romans became the heirs of Greek art although they also made important contributions of their own, especially in the development of architecture.

The Roman Republic  Surrounded by enemies, Romans forced to fight for survival.  As Rome defended itself, increased republic size to encompass all of Italy.  After defeating their chief rival Carthage, Rome gained Sicily and became an powerful empire.  At its height of power, Rome controlled lands from Britain to the Mesopotamia.

Greek Influence  Much of Roman art was copied from the Greeks.  From early on, affluent Romans admired all types of Greek art.  Large amounts of Greek art was brought to Rome, including some Greek artists.  Romans considered heirs of Greek art, though they made their own contributions, especially in architecture.

Roman Sculpture and Painting: Portrait Sculpture  In sculpture and painting, Roman artwork heavily reflects earlier influence of Greek artists.  Since Rome’s beginning, lifelike sculptures have been heavily desired.  At the time, wax masks were used during funerals and to honor the dead.  However, a more durable building material was needed, as wax did not last long  So, marble and stone became widely used, and artists who worked with these became highly valued.

Portrait Sculpture  Lifelike portrait sculptures can be traced back to the earliest period of Rome’s history  Wax masks of deceased family members were made to be carried in funeral processions

Man of the Republic  Roman portraits create a feeling of looking at a real person, perhaps someone that may even look familiar.  All Roman portrait sculptures depict real people.  These sculpture use wrinkles and imperfections to express the character of the subject.

Differences Between Greek and Roman Sculpture  Many Roman sculptors came from Greece.  These artists worked in the altered traditional Greek style to fit Roman standards.  Greeks preferred idealistic portraits, where Romans preferred realistic portraits.  Romans wanted realism because most of their portraits were intended for private display.

Mural Paintings  Many of the mural paintings painted within homes were of landscapes and pictures of buildings that suggested a world that lay beyond the walls of the room.

Subjects of Mural Paintings  Mural- A large painted directly on the wall >Paintings of outdoor areas recreated onto the wall as if it was really there landscapes- a painting, photograph, or other works of art that shows natural scenery) >Pictures of buildings >Paintings of people doing actions (ex pg 194) ~maiden gathering flowers

Mural Paintings

Roman Architecture  Many examples of Roman architecture still survive today, unlike their paintings and sculptures.  The Romans designed and built many things to link and glorify their vast empire: Roads Harbors Aqueducts Sewer Systems Buildings for leisure and business  Romans wanted to become first great builders of the world.

Architecture  Temples Were used by Romans to satisfy their own needs and tastes  Maison Carree: Nimes, France Columns do not surround the structure, instead only used for the Portico: a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns or piers, usually attached to a building as a porch Along the sides and back half-columns are attached to create a decorative pattern

Architecture  Temple complex in Palestrina The route to this temple is called the Appian Way and is lined with the grand villas and tombs of wealthy Roman citizens The temple became home of the famous oracle (Fortuna- the goddess of good fortune)

Design of the Temple Complex  The Temple of Fortuna Primigenia was part of a large complex which had arches, terraces, and more.  Arches were used to span openings, and barrel vaults to roof large spaces. Barrel Vault- A series of round arches from front to back that form a tunnel.  However, because of the weight of the ceilings, the walls remained windowless.

Innovations Architecture  Aqueduct- a system that carried water from mountain streams into the cities by gravitational flow. b3b6-40e6fa2aedce&productcode=US&CFID=117932&CFTOKEN=

Roman Aqueducts  Aqueducts show Rome’s practicality in combining form with function in ancient times. Aqueduct- A system that carried water from mountain streams into cities by using gravitational flow.  These were designed for efficient transportation of water, using a series of arches, and also happened to be attractive.  Constructed of granite blocks laid without mortar, its sharp angles broke the force of the water.  Eleven were built in Rome, and could range from miles in length. Carried around 270 million gallons of water a day.

Innovations Architecture  Baths- vast enclosed structures that contained libraries, lecture rooms, gymnasiums, shops, restaurants, and pleasant walkways  Keystone- top stone of the arch. bb75-965ac17fbcf1&productcode=US&CFID=117932&CFTOKEN=

Innovations in Structure  The round arch improved on the structurally weaker post and lintel system.  The lintel, if made of stone and expanded over a large space would break.  An arch is made of cut bricks or stones held together by a keystone. Keystone- Top stone of an arch.  However, a large arch would tend to collapse on itself, so smaller series of arches were instead.

Roman Buildings and Monuments  Roman Emperors constantly buildings and rebuilding the cities of their empire. Emperor Augustus- Claimed he found Rome a city of brick and stone and left it a city of marble.  As often as possible, bath, amphitheaters, and other monuments were built for the enjoyment of the public.  Emperors did this to maintain their popularity.

Design of the Baths  Every large Roman city contained baths.  Each contained similar features, included series of progressively cooler pools of water: The Calidarium- First and contained hot water The Tepidarium- Second and was a warm bath The Frigidarium- Last and had cool water  These different rooms were maintained by slave tended furnaces underneath the building.

The Baths of Caracalla  Built in the 3 rd Century A.D. by emperor Caracalla, it is one of the most famous baths ever.  Its sprawled over 30 acres, with a massive bathhouse and a central hall that was 180 feet long and 77 feet wide.  This hall was spanned by concrete groin vaults. Groin Vault- A vault that is formed when two barrel vaults meet right angles.  The use of the groin vaults allowed for buildings to cover larger areas and windows to be placed in the now unencumbered walls.

Innovations Architecture  Groin vault- two barrel vaults meet at right angles  Barrel Vault- a series of round arches from front to back that form a tunnel

The Baths of Caracalla  One of the most famous baths 30 acres and had a bathhouse that measured 750 feet by 380 feet.  A huge central hall over 180 feet long and 77 feet wide was spanned with concrete groin vaults.

The Colosseum  Large arena, Covers 6 acres and forms a complete oval 615 feet by 510 feet.  Over the centuries people carried off large masses of the stone to create new buildings until Pope Benedict XIV put a stop to it

Buildings for Sports Events  Chariot races were by far Romans favorite spectator sport.  Up to 150,000 Romans would gather at Circus Maximus to witness sporting events.  Eventually, 64 days of the year were devoted to chariot races.

The Colosseum's interior  80 arched openings enabled spectators to enter and leave  The “Door of Life” was reserved for victorious gladiators and the slain gladiators were carried through the “Door of Death”  42d3-a898- 9c0eca19dc5b&productcode=US&CFID=117932&CFTOKEN= d3-a898- 9c0eca19dc5b&productcode=US&CFID=117932&CFTOKEN=

Greek Influences on the Colosseum  Exterior- four stories, constructed of stone, brick, and concrete  Top level- Corinthian pilasters (Flat, rectangular columns attached to a wall)  Between pilasters; small holes  Holes places in holes to support canvassing that protect spectators rain or shine

The Colosseum  Chariot races, armed contests, gladiator contests 5,000 gladiators fought to death and 11,000 animals were killed in a day!!

Innovations in Material: Concrete  The building material that was first used by the Romans and allowed for stability and strength in large buildings  With the advent of concrete, the Romans had a versatile material that was used in the Temple of Fortuna Primigenia.  Rome was first civilization to use concrete to its best capacity.  Concrete and the arch allowed Romans to build on a much larger scale.

Public Buildings and Structures  The Pantheon Designed as a temple to all the roman gods

Illuminating the Pantheon’s Interior  Though there are no interior windows, the Pantheon is still well light.  A 30 foot round opening in the dome provides the only source of light.  The light is sharp and bright, and also allows for the sky to be seen.  A raised floor and drainage system are used to combat any rainfall.

 Oculus: Latin for "eye"/ opening in the ceiling of the pantheon  Niches- recesses in the wall  Coffers: Indented panels

Public Buildings and Structures  Basilicas Spacious rectangular building Designed as a court of law and public meeting hall Served as models for generations of Christian church builders

Plan of Basilicas  Inside, rows of slender columns divided the space into a nave and two narrower sides. Nave- A long, wide center aisle.  Had a higher roof at the center and therefore could add windows.  Had a side entrance, wooden roofs, and one area called an apse. Apse- Semicircular area at the end of the nave. Transept- an aisle that cuts directly across the nave and the side isles in a basilica and forms a cross shaped floor plan

Basilica

Public Buildings and Structures  Triumphal Arches: heavily decorated arch  After an important victory the general and his troops would pass under the arch  The Arch of Constantine was the largest and most elaborate of the arches

The Arch of Constantine  Largest and most elaborate Triumphal Arch.  Decorated with sculptures from other monuments of earlier emperors.  As the monument was dedicated to Constantine, the transferred images had to be altered to resemble Constantine.

Triumphal Arches

Declining Power a3f7-8243abd94052&productcode=US&CFID=117932&CFTOKEN=

The Declining Power of Rome  Rome’s power began to decline when the capital was shifted to the city of Byzantium, in the Eastern Roman Empire.  In 330 A.D., the emperor Constantine I renamed the city Constantinople, and this marked the beginning of the Byzantine Empire.  The Western Roman Empire continued to decline, and in 410 A.D., Rome was conquered by the Visigoths.  The Western Roman Empire had ceased to exist by the 5 th Century A.D.