Second Style

Definition

The Second Style is a significant phase of Roman wall painting that emerged in the late 1st century BCE and continued into the early 1st century CE. It is characterized by its illusionistic techniques, which create a sense of depth and space, allowing for more sophisticated visual narratives and decorative elements compared to earlier styles. This style reflects the cultural shift in Roman society towards greater emphasis on realism and the depiction of architectural elements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Style originated around 100 BCE and is recognized for its innovative use of perspective, creating a more dynamic composition compared to the previous First Style.
2. Artists of the Second Style used techniques such as 'atmospheric perspective' to give a sense of distance, often depicting imaginary architectural vistas that open up the wall space.
3. This style frequently includes scenes from mythology, daily life, or landscapes, blending architectural elements with painted figures to enhance storytelling.
4. Key examples of Second Style paintings can be found in villas such as the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii, showcasing its elaborate designs and narrative depth.
5. The Second Style laid the groundwork for the later development of the Third Style, which shifted towards more ornamental and decorative aesthetics rather than illusionistic depth.

Review Questions

• How does the Second Style differ from the First Style in terms of artistic techniques and themes?
  • The Second Style differs significantly from the First Style by introducing more advanced artistic techniques, particularly through the use of illusionism to create depth and space on flat surfaces. While the First Style focused on decorative patterns that imitated marble panels, the Second Style allowed artists to depict expansive architectural vistas and dynamic narratives. This shift reflects a broader cultural trend in Roman society towards realism and storytelling within art.
• Discuss how Second Style paintings reflect the societal changes in Rome during its emergence in the late 1st century BCE.
  • Second Style paintings emerged during a time when Rome was experiencing significant societal changes, including increased wealth and urbanization. The desire for more sophisticated art forms that depicted realistic spaces mirrors this growth as elites sought to showcase their status through elaborate interior decoration. The incorporation of architectural elements and mythological narratives into these paintings reflects not only an artistic evolution but also an aspiration for cultural sophistication among Roman elites.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Second Style techniques on later artistic movements, particularly focusing on how it influenced Renaissance artists.
  • The techniques developed during the Second Style had a profound influence on later artistic movements, notably during the Renaissance. Artists like Raphael and Michelangelo drew inspiration from Roman wall paintings, particularly their use of perspective and illusionism to create realistic spatial environments. This revival of classical techniques underscored a renewed interest in naturalism and humanism, demonstrating how Second Style principles helped shape the trajectory of Western art by bridging ancient practices with Renaissance innovation.

Related terms

Fresco: A technique of mural painting executed on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the pigments to merge with the plaster as it dries, resulting in a durable and vibrant image.

Pompeii:

An ancient Roman city famously preserved under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, providing significant examples of Second Style wall paintings.

Illusionism: An artistic approach that creates the illusion of three-dimensionality and depth on a two-dimensional surface, often used extensively in Second Style paintings.