Unit 7_ Art of Rome - Part 1

Introduction to Roman Art

SPQR

• SPQR: An abbreviation standing for "Senatus Populusque Romanus" (The Senate and People of Rome), it serves as a symbol of the Roman Republic and is a powerful emblem of Roman civic identity and governance.

Captive Greece's Influence on Rome

• Quote by Horace: "Captive Greece took captive her savage conqueror and brought the arts to rustic Latium."

  • This highlights the profound cultural influence Greece had on Rome's artistic landscape, prompting the Romans to adopt and adapt Greek art, architecture, and philosophy.

Foundations of Rome: Romulus and Remus

Origin Story

• Romulus and Remus: Considered the legendary founders of Rome, they are twins and the offspring of the god Mars and mortal Rhea Silvia.

  • Their grandfather, King Numitor, was overthrown by Amulius, who sought to eliminate the twins to secure power.

  • Raised by a she-wolf, the twins were eventually discovered by a shepherd named Faustulus, who took them into his care.

Rise to Power

• The twins later emerged as leaders who would reclaim their family's honor, successfully overthrowing Amulius and restoring Numitor.

• The founding of Rome was marked by a tragic dispute regarding the city’s location, culminating in Romulus killing Remus on April 21st, 753 BCE, an event widely accepted as the official founding date of Rome.

Etruscan Civilization

Overview

• The Etruscans thrived between the 8th and 3rd centuries BCE in what is now central Italy, significantly contributing to the development of Roman art and culture.

Artistic Contributions

Funerary Art

• Etruscans created richly decorated tombs featuring elaborate paintings and sculptures, important for their rituals that honored the deceased.

Temples

• Their temples employed materials like wood and mudbrick, with notable characteristics such as rectangular layouts, high podiums, and deep porches.

Notable Artworks

• Sarcophagus of the Spouses (c. 520 BCE): Displays reclining figures believed to signify joyful afterlife views in Etruscan culture.

• Sarcophagus of Seianti Hanunia Tlesnasa (c. 150 BCE): Reflects distinct views on women's status within Etruscan society compared to other contemporary civilizations.

Elements of Etruscan Sculpture

• Depictions on Sarcophagi often include individuals and couples, symbolizing family importance and continuity in life.

• The Etruscan smile, a prevalent motif, represents beliefs in a joyous afterlife.

Architectural Style of Etruscan Temples

Design Characteristics

• Etruscan temples were typically constructed of wood and mudbrick, adorned with terracotta decorations.

• They featured columns that were simple, with a significant deep porch, standing in stark contrast to Greek architectural styles.

Transition to Republican Rome

Governance

• Rome transitioned from a monarchy in 509 BCE to a republic governed by elected officials, setting the stage for future civic developments.

Artistic Reflections

• Roman art shifted towards realism (verism) over idealism, focusing on public virtues and celebrating ancestral lineages through their artistic expressions.

• The innovative use of concrete fostered the construction of durable structures, leading to advancements in architectural design.

Key Architectural Developments in Rome

• Roman architecture was significantly influenced by Etruscan and Greek styles, particularly in the construction of public temples, basilicas, and forums as civic centers.

Cultural Symbols and Practices in Rome

Roman Toga

• The toga, a ceremonial garment, denoted citizenship and social status, visibly distinguishing citizens from slaves in Roman society.

Home Religion: Lararium

• A Lararium served as a household shrine where families worshiped Lares and other deities, offering daily sacrifices as part of their home rituals.

Columbarium

• This term refers to collective burial structures specifically designed for housing cinerary urns, often located in urban settings, thereby enhancing communal burial practices.

Funerary Practices and Innovations

Roman Death Masks

• Utilized to capture realistic likenesses of the deceased, death masks played a vital role in celebrating family lineage and continuity through veristic portraiture.

Evolution of Portraiture in Rome

• Veristic Portraits: Characterized by their focus on realism, these artworks captured imperfections and individuality.

  • Notable examples include the Portrait of a Roman Patrician (c. 75–50 BCE) and various funerary reliefs that illustrate the unique features of individual faces.

Notable Roman Artworks and their Symbolism

Augustus of Primaporta

• This statue features classical references, military attire, manifestations of divine connections, and Hellenistic influences, all serving to underline Augustus's authority and power.

Ara Pacis Augustae

• An altar dedicated to Pax Romana, symbolizes Roman peace and reflects themes of family and civic duty while also serving as a propaganda tool promoting Augustus' message of prosperity.

  • Key panels represent the integration of Roman values and divine favor.

Summary of Roman Cultural Identity

• Roman art and architecture exemplify their values and beliefs, merging elements from earlier civilizations, and thus solidifying their impactful legacy in history.