Roman Imperial Art II (1): Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus

Trajan (98-117)

  • Marcu Ulpius Traianus: First Emperor not born in Rome
  • Fora: Multiple of Forum
  • Rome, Imperial Fora
      * Caesar (1): Temple of Venus
      * Augustus (2): Temple of Mars
      * Vespasian (3): Temple of Peace
      * Domitian/Nerva (4)
      * Tranjan (5): Designed by Apollodorus of Damascus, designed to give axial connections to the other Fora, giant transitional basilica, library

     Rome, Imperial Fora

  • Great Basilica Ulpia
      * ambulatory: aisle w/ no beginning or end
  • Column of Trajan (best preserved)
      * ashes at foundation of pillar after his death
      * 100 steps
      * 625 ft of reliefs, many odd perspectives to give clarity

Hadrian 117-138

  • Hadiran aims to: further fortify Rome
  • loves Greece
  • Hadrianic style: Leaning towards classic again
  • Pantheon, Rome
      * dedication to Marcus Agrippa
      * repaired by Hadrian
      * bricks have name and dates of Hadrianic reign
      * Pantheon: Temple dedicated to all the Gods
      * Dome to simulate capture of the universe
  • Roman experience: Interior focused, spacious
  • Oculus: a round/ eye like opening, spot light for the sun

Marcus Aurelius 161-180

  • Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, Capitoline Hill, Rome
      * Melancholy emotion, fatigue, stoicism
  • Form of body becoming less important, more stylization coming in