Roman art

Roman sacrifice Louvre Ma992

Zetoyanfion

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Wall painting - female painter - Pompeii (VI 1 10) - Napoli MAN 9018

Affresco romano - eracle ed onfale - area vesuviana

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Dame-Schmuckkasten-Trier

Zeffiro-e-clori---pompeii

Roman Art encompasses the visual arts made in Ancient Rome and in the territories of the Roman Empire. Roman art includes architecture, painting, sculpture, and mosaic work. Luxury objects in metal-work, gem engraving, ivory carvings, and glass are sometimes considered to be minor forms of Roman art, although they were not considered as such at the time. The development of Roman art was influenced by the Etruscan civilization to the north and the Ancient Greeks to the south, and by the practical needs of the Roman state and society.

History and Development

Roman art is traditionally divided into two main periods: art of the Roman Republic, and art of the Roman Empire. The art of the Roman Republic was characterized by a strong influence from the Greeks and an emphasis on civic and practical art. With the transformation of Rome from a Republic to an Empire, Roman art became more grandiose and focused on the glorification of the Emperor.

Republican Period

During the Republican period, art was largely utilitarian and focused on public works and civic virtues. Sculpture, in particular, was used to commemorate significant individuals and events in the public sphere. The Romans also adopted and adapted the Greek style in their statues, which often featured idealized figures.

Imperial Period

The Imperial period saw a shift towards more lavish and grandiose art forms. This period was marked by the construction of monumental buildings such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Forum Romanum, which were adorned with elaborate sculptures and frescoes. Portraiture became highly realistic, reflecting the desire to convey the individual characteristics of the subject.

Art Forms

Architecture

Roman architecture is renowned for its technological innovations, such as the extensive use of concrete and the development of the arch and the dome. These innovations allowed for the construction of impressive structures like aqueducts, baths, and amphitheaters.

Sculpture

Roman sculpture borrowed heavily from the Greeks, but over time, it developed its own identity, focusing more on realism and the depiction of character and emotion. Portraits of ancestors were displayed in homes, and public monuments celebrated military victories and honored emperors.

Painting

Roman painting is best known from frescoes in Pompeii and Herculaneum, which show a wide range of subjects, from landscapes and still lifes to mythological scenes and portraits. The use of perspective and shadowing techniques was advanced, creating a sense of depth and realism.

Mosaic

Mosaics were a popular form of floor decoration in Roman homes and public buildings. Made from small pieces of colored stone, glass, or ceramic, these intricate designs often depicted scenes from mythology, daily life, or geometric patterns.

Legacy

The legacy of Roman art can be seen in the continued use of Roman architectural forms in Western architecture, the tradition of portrait sculpture, and the foundation of Western art's emphasis on realism. Roman art has also had a profound influence on the development of art in Western civilization, serving as a foundation for Renaissance and Baroque art.