Etruscan and Roman Art Study Guide

Introduction to Etruscan and Roman Art

  • Location: Etruscan art mainly flourished in central Italy.

  • Key Characteristics:

    • Use of tumulus tombs

    • Distinct temple architecture

    • Focus on funerary and religious ceramic sculpture

    • Engaging tomb painting showcasing lively animated figures

    • Inspiration drawn from Greek art and reciprocal influence on Roman art.

Key Concepts of Etruscan and Roman Art

  • Etruscan Art:

    • Characterized by:

    • Tumuli tombs

    • Sculptural art forms found in funerary contexts

    • Influenced by Greek aesthetics, contributing to later Roman artistry.

  • Roman Sculpture:

    • Expanded subject matter, introducing:

    • Freestanding portraits

    • Historical reliefs

    • Artistic style selected to amplify the artwork’s message.

  • Roman Architecture:

    • Introduction of architectural innovations such as:

    • The arch

    • Vaults

    • Dome structures

    • Invention of concrete leading to new building typologies:

    • Basilica (town hall)

    • Amphitheater

    • Triumphal arch

    • Elite residential domus filled with art: sculpture, mosaics, and paintings.

  • Roman Painting:

    • Reflected a vast array of subjects depicted in frescoes used within homes.

    • Art historical and stylistic awareness refined by the elite Roman viewer.

Etruscan Art Detailed Examples

  • Tumuli in Ceveteri:

    • Located in the Banditaccia necropolis

    • Dates between 7th-2nd centuries BCE.

  • Dancers and Diners:

    • Tomb of the Triclinium from Tarquinia, Italy.

    • Created circa 480-470 BCE.

  • Boys Climbing Rocks and Diving:

    • Tomb of Hunting and Fishing located in Tarquinia, from the late 6th century BCE.

  • Burial Chamber, Tomb of the Reliefs:

    • Found in Cerveteri, dated 3rd century BCE.

  • Sarcophagus with Reclining Couple:

    • Originated from Cerveteri, Italy, circa 520 BCE.

    • Material: painted terracotta, dimensions are approximately 3’ 9 1/2” X 6’ 7“.

  • Porta Augusta:

    • Situated in Perugia, estimated 3rd-2nd century BCE.

  • Etruscan Temple Model:

    • Typical design from the 6th century BCE described by Vitruvius:

    • Components included podium, cella, porch, and utilized Tuscan order.

  • Temples of Hera I and II:

    • Constructed in the Greek colony at Paestum, dating back to the 6th and 5th centuries BCE.

  • Vulca’s Apollo:

    • From the Temple of Minerva, Veii, dating 510-500 BCE. Painted terracotta, height 5’10”.

  • Kouros:

    • Metropolitan version, dating circa 600-590 BCE, alongside Apollo from Veii from circa 510 BCE.

  • The Ficoroni Cista:

    • Crafted by Novios Plautios, dating between 350-300 BCE. Made of bronze with a height of 2' 6-1/4".

  • Head of a Man (Brutus):

    • Dated to circa 300 BCE, made from bronze with ivory eyes, height 12-1/2” (31.8 cm).

  • Aulus Metellus (The Orator):

    • Found near Perugia, circa 80 BCE, bronze statue height 5' 11" (1.8 m).

  • Portrait Head of an Elder:

    • Dating to circa 80 BCE, showcasing the verism/common realism characteristic of Republican Art.

  • Patrician Carrying Portrait Busts of Two Ancestors:

    • Last seen in the late 1st century BCE, illustrating the aging and wisdom theme in Roman ideals.

    • Quote by Cicero: “Great deeds are not done by strength or speed or physique: they are products of thought, and character, and judgment. And far from diminishing, such qualities actually increase with age.”

  • Temple Dedicated to Portunus:

    • Located in the Forum Boarium, Rome, from the late 2nd century BCE.

The Art of Imperial Rome

  • Imperial Portraiture: Focuses on reflecting tastes and ideologies:

    • Example: Augustus of Primaporta, marble copy of an original bronze dated about 20 BCE.

  • Ara Pacis Augustae:

    • Created in Rome between 13-9 BCE, dimensions approximately 34'5" × 38' (10.5 × 11.6 m).

  • Procession Scene: Part of Ara Pacis from 13-9 BCE, depicting significant figures in a ceremonial event.

Construction Techniques in Roman Architecture

  • Conceptual Diagram:

    • Building component identification:

    • A: Arch

    • B: post and lintel

    • C: Barrel Vault

    • D and E: Cross or Groin Vault

    • F: Dome.

  • Pont du Gard:

    • Nîmes, France, late 1st century BCE. Height above river 160' (49 m).

  • Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum):

    • Situated in Rome, constructed between 70-80 CE.

Late Empire Art

  • Imagery of the Decline: The Roman Empire faced turmoil from the assassination of Commodus through to the Severan chaos in 235 CE.

  • Caracalla's Portrayal:

    • Known for projecting a fierce image, marble bust reflecting an assertive leadership style.

  • ** Baths of Caracalla**:

    • Structures showcasing advanced Roman engineering and cultural emphasis on public life.

Transition to Tetrarchy**

  • Diocletian's Reforms: Curtailed anarchy by establishing a tetrarchy.

  • Portrait of a Tetrarch:

    • Early 4th century CE. Porphyry, height 2'5-1/2" (65 cm).

Roman Home and City Life**

  • Private Dwellings: Wealthy citizens lived in luxurious homes featuring enclosed gardens.

  • Common Architectural Features:

    • Central impluvium for water collection.

    • Peristyle courtyards with gardens.

  • Popularity of Mosaics:

    • Decorative key elements in living spaces and public areas.

Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli**

  • Key Features: Completed around 125-135 CE, includes a reflecting pool and a complex of various architectural styles and gardens.

  • Mosaics in Roman Homes: Depictions of daily life, mythological subjects, and naturalistic styles exemplifying artistic talents of the time.

Conclusion

  • The study of Etruscan and Roman art elucidates immense cultural influences, architectural advancements, and deeply embedded philosophies that shaped not only their own society but also left lasting legacies influencing future generations, extending far beyond their borders into modern contexts.