Lecture 10: Art of the Roman Empire

Augustus as imperator

Augustus’s body is in contrapposto and is idealized. His raised arm as if he’s giving a command signifies his role as a political leader. His facial features and hair styles are distinct and idealized. Bare feet at this time were a sign of divinity. He wasn’t deified until he died so the piece was likely made after he died.

Ara Pacis Augustae

The name means “Alter of Augustan peace”. It was commissioned by the senate to celebrate Augustus’s return to Rome. There is a podium and staircase and it is made of carrara marble. It has bocarania which symbolize religious devotion which is probably what the altar was used for.  It is divided by 2 registers; lower alludes to Augustan peace, upper supports Augustus’s ideology.

The Colosseum (exterior)

The Colosseum was an amphitheater whose construction was a strategic move. It was the first permanent amphitheater and was made of stone. Nero proclaimed loyalty to Rome’s citizens by reclaiming land. The exterior facade is as high as a 15 story building. It is made of travertine.

Arch of Constantine

The marble 21m arch commemorates Constantine’s victory at the battle of Milvian Ridge. This battle was the beginning of Constantine’s conversion to Christianity. It was the first triumphal arch to commemorate a victory over a Roman rival in a civil war. Combines new relief with spolia and we saw this with Hatshepsut.

Oculus

Eye

Arch

A fundamental structural element that allowed for larger, more complex buildings like aqueducts, bridges, and amphitheaters, revolutionizing engineering by distributing weight more effectively than post-and-lintel systems

Arcade

Series of arches inclosing a walkway

Pilaster

Engaged column but flat against the building these are also Corinthian

Rotunda

Building or large, circular room covered by a dome, most notably in Classical and Neoclassical styles

Coffer

Recessed, square or polygonal panel, often used in a series to decorate a ceiling, vault, or dome, creating a coffered ceiling

Attic

Anything related to Attica, the region of ancient Greece where Athens is located

Spolia

Things we take from other things, stuff we stole