2.4 Roman Art: Portraiture, Wall Painting, and Engineering
2 min read•july 18, 2024
Roman art blended Greek and Etruscan influences, creating a unique style. From realistic portraiture to vibrant wall paintings, Romans used art to document individuals, convey status, and preserve legacies.
Roman engineering revolutionized architecture with innovations like concrete, arches, and domes. These advancements enabled the construction of iconic structures like the , Colosseum, and aqueducts, showcasing Roman ingenuity and power.
Roman Art: Influences and Styles
Greek and Etruscan influence on Roman art
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- Greek influence seen in idealized human forms, contrapposto stance (weight shifted to one leg), naturalistic rendering, and mythological themes (gods and heroes)
- Etruscan influence evident in realistic portraiture, sculptures, sarcophagi with reclining figures, and vibrant wall paintings depicting daily life and religious scenes
Roman Portraiture and Wall Painting
Development of Roman portraiture
- Republican period characterized by veristic style which includes realistic, warts-and-all depictions emphasizing age, experience, and character (wrinkles, scars)
- Imperial period marked by idealized portraits of emperors serving propagandistic purposes and portraying power, authority, and divine status (Augustus of Prima Porta)
- Portraiture significant for documenting individuals and family lineages, conveying social status and political power, and preserving memory and legacy
Wall painting in Roman spaces
- Domestic spaces featured decorative frescoes in villas and houses following Four Pompeian styles:
- First Style: imitation of and masonry
- Second Style: illusionistic architectural scenes creating depth
- Third Style: ornamental and delicate designs with Egyptian motifs
- Fourth Style: combination of previous styles with theatrical elements
- Public spaces like temples, baths, and public buildings displayed frescoes depicting mythological and historical scenes serving instructive and propagandistic purposes (Pompeii's Villa of the Mysteries)
- Fresco technique involved painting on damp plaster allowing for vibrant colors, shading, perspective, and depth
Roman Engineering and Architecture
Roman engineering and architectural innovations
- Concrete, a mixture of lime, water, sand, and volcanic ash (pozzolana), enabled construction of large-scale structures that were durable and versatile
- Arches, semicircular structures that distribute weight evenly, used in aqueducts, bridges, and triumphal arches ( of Constantine)
- Domes, hemispherical structures that enabled construction of vast interior spaces, used in temples, public baths, and palaces (Hadrian's Villa)
- Significant examples showcasing Roman engineering:
- Pantheon: largest unreinforced concrete spanning 43 meters
- Colosseum: amphitheater with complex system of arches and vaults
- Aqueducts: extensive water supply systems spanning hundreds of kilometers (Pont du Gard)
- Basilicas: large public buildings for legal and commercial purposes with central nave and aisles (Basilica of Maxentius)
Key Terms to Review (17)
Apollodorus of Damascus: Apollodorus of Damascus was a prominent Roman architect and engineer during the 2nd century CE, renowned for his innovative designs and significant contributions to Roman architecture. He is most famous for his work on the Forum of Trajan in Rome, which included the Trajan's Column, and his influence extended to other architectural marvels of the period. His projects exemplified the sophistication and engineering prowess of Roman art and architecture.
Ara Pacis: The Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, is an ancient Roman monument dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, and was commissioned by the Senate in 13 BCE to honor Emperor Augustus's return from Hispania and Gaul. This altar is an important representation of Roman art and propaganda, showcasing the ideals of peace and prosperity during Augustus's reign while reflecting significant elements of portraiture and wall painting through its intricate relief sculptures.
Arch: An arch is a structural element that spans an opening and supports weight above it, often composed of wedge-shaped blocks. This engineering innovation is crucial in architecture, particularly in the construction of buildings, bridges, and aqueducts. The use of arches allowed for larger and more open interior spaces, contributing to the grandeur of Roman architecture and enabling the construction of monumental structures.
Atmospheric Perspective: Atmospheric perspective is a technique used in visual art to create the illusion of depth and distance by altering color, clarity, and contrast of objects intended to be perceived as being far away. This method relies on the natural phenomenon where objects appear less distinct and more muted in color as they recede into the background due to the effect of the atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the three-dimensional quality of paintings, particularly evident in works from different historical periods, including notable applications in portraiture and wall paintings.
Commemorative sculpture: Commemorative sculpture refers to three-dimensional artworks created to honor, remember, or celebrate individuals, events, or achievements. These sculptures often serve as public monuments or memorials, playing a vital role in how societies remember their history and commemorate significant figures. In the context of Roman art, these works often blend realistic portraiture with symbolic elements to convey the importance of the person or event being commemorated.
Dome: A dome is a rounded architectural element that typically forms the roof of a building or structure, characterized by its curved shape and ability to span large spaces without internal supports. Domes have been widely used throughout history, symbolizing the heavens and the divine, and are essential in various architectural styles, representing both structural innovation and aesthetic grandeur.
Etruscan Heritage: Etruscan heritage refers to the cultural, artistic, and architectural contributions of the Etruscan civilization, which thrived in ancient Italy before the rise of Rome. This heritage significantly influenced Roman art and engineering, particularly through the adaptation of Etruscan techniques in portraiture and decorative wall painting, as well as in architectural practices such as temple construction and urban planning.
Hellenistic Influence: Hellenistic influence refers to the cultural, artistic, and intellectual impact of Greek civilization that spread throughout the Mediterranean and Near East following the conquests of Alexander the Great. This influence is characterized by a fusion of Greek and local elements, leading to advancements in art, philosophy, and science, particularly evident in the portraiture, wall painting, and engineering of later periods.
Idealism: Idealism is an artistic philosophy that emphasizes the representation of subjects in their most perfect form, often focusing on beauty, harmony, and the pursuit of an idealized version of reality. This approach can be seen in various art movements, where artists strive to depict the human figure, nature, and architectural elements with a sense of perfection and elevated aesthetics.
Illusionism: Illusionism refers to a technique in art that creates the appearance of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface, often tricking the viewer’s eye into perceiving depth, volume, and realism. This artistic approach is significant in various forms of Roman art, particularly in portraiture, wall painting, and engineering, where it enhances the realism and impact of the artwork. By using perspective, shading, and other visual strategies, artists were able to convey a more lifelike representation that engaged viewers and added complexity to their compositions.
Individualism: Individualism is the principle of valuing and prioritizing the individual over the collective, emphasizing personal autonomy, self-expression, and the uniqueness of each person. This concept is reflected in various artistic movements and cultural contexts, highlighting how individuals assert their identity and perspective in a broader societal framework.
Marble: Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms from limestone under heat and pressure, making it a highly valued material in art and architecture. Its fine texture and ability to be polished to a high sheen make it a favorite among sculptors and builders, particularly in the creation of detailed sculptures, grand buildings, and decorative elements in Roman art. The use of marble not only showcases craftsmanship but also reflects the cultural significance of art in Roman society.
Pantheon: The term 'pantheon' refers to a temple dedicated to all gods, particularly in ancient Rome, where it symbolizes the religious and cultural beliefs of a society. In the context of Roman art, the Pantheon stands out as an architectural marvel, showcasing advanced engineering techniques and serving as a monumental tribute to Roman deities, thereby reflecting the significance of religious practices in their art and society.
Public Monument: A public monument is a structure or sculpture created to commemorate a person, event, or significant aspect of cultural heritage, often displayed in public spaces for communal remembrance and reflection. These monuments can serve as symbols of national pride, historical significance, or artistic achievement, frequently reflecting the values and beliefs of the society that erected them. In Roman art, public monuments were particularly important as they combined architectural innovation, artistic expression, and propaganda to convey the might and achievements of the state.
Terracotta: Terracotta is a type of earthenware clay that has been fired at a relatively low temperature, creating a porous and often reddish-brown material. This versatile medium has been used for a wide range of artistic and architectural applications, from pottery and sculpture to architectural elements and roof tiles, particularly in ancient civilizations.
Verism: Verism is an artistic style that emphasizes extreme realism, often depicting subjects with a focus on their age, imperfections, and individual features. This approach seeks to convey the truth of a person's character and social status through visual representation. In the context of Roman portraiture, verism served as a powerful tool for expressing the values of honesty, wisdom, and experience, reflecting the cultural priorities of Roman society.
Vitruvius: Vitruvius was a Roman architect and engineer who lived during the 1st century BCE, best known for his work 'De Architectura,' which is a treatise on architecture that covers various aspects of design, construction, and city planning. His principles laid the foundation for architectural theory and practice in the Roman world, influencing not only architecture but also aspects of engineering and the visual arts during that era.