Power To The People - The Art of the Roman Republic & The Early Roman Empire

Power to the People

  • Theme explored in this presentation.

The Art of the Roman Republic

  • Focus on political structures and artistic expressions.

The Art of the Early Roman Empire

  • Examined through significant works and architectural advancements.

Roman Timeline

  • Roman Republican Period (509-27 BCE):

    • Overthrow of the last Etruscan King, marking the Republic's foundation.

    • Major buildings serve political purposes rather than worship.

    • Keywords: Temples, Ara Pacis, homage to rulers.

  • Early Empire Period (27 BCE-180 CE):

    • Characterized by wall paintings, concrete innovations, and arches.

    • Keywords: Colosseum.

  • The High Empire (180-195 CE):

    • Era of the Five Good Emperors, known for peace and prosperity.

    • Keywords: Column of Trajan, Hadrian’s Wall, Pantheon.

  • The Late Empire (195-400 CE):

    • Diocletian's division of the Empire into four parts.

    • Keywords: Tetrarchy, Arch of Constantine.

/

Republican Period

Overview

  • Rome's foundation tied to the Latins, who lived on the Tiber River.

  • Overthrew Etruscan King Tarquin in 509 BCE.

Spark of Revolution

  • Lucretia, a Latin woman, is raped by Tarquin's son.

  • Her suicide ignites the revolt against Etruscan power.

Establishing a New Government

  • Romans sought to create a republic blending Greek democracy and Etruscan authority.

  • Res publica: Meaning a government of the people.

Government Structure

  • Three branches of government:

    • Executive: Consulship led by consuls.

    • Advisory: Senate populated by senators.

    • Legislative: Assembly with two houses (Assembly of Centuries & Assembly of Tribes).

Seven Hills of Ancient Rome

  1. Quirinal

  2. Viminal

  3. Esquiline

  4. Capitoline

  5. Palatine

  6. Caelian

  7. Aventine

Roman Culture Synthesis

  • Romans synthesized ideas from other cultures.

  • Influences seen in art, sculpture, and architecture, leading to cultural blending.

  • Is it Greek or Roman? Frequently debated due to similarities.

Comparisons: Greek vs Roman

  • Preferred Structures:

    • Greek: Temples to gods.

    • Roman: Civic buildings to honor the Empire.

  • Materials:

    • Greek: Cut stone blocks.

    • Roman: Concrete with ornamental facing.

  • Forms:

    • Greek: Rectangles, straight lines.

    • Roman: Circles, curved lines.

  • Support Systems:

    • Greek: Post and lintel.

    • Roman: Rounded arch.

  • Column Styles:

    • Greek: Doric & Ionic.

    • Roman: Corinthian.

  • Sculpture & Painting:

    • Greek: Idealized representations.

    • Roman: Realistic portrayals of figures, especially in portraiture.

Innovations in Architecture

Roman Arch

  • True arch with voussoirs and keystone led to grand structures.

  • Terms:

    • Voussoirs: Wedge-shaped stones forming the arch.

    • Keystone: Central stone locking the arch in place.

    • Barrel Vault, Groin Vault: Innovations using arches for structures.

    • Dome with Oculus: Example of Roman architectural mastery.

Republican Art

Temple of Portunus

  • Example of Roman art incorporating Etruscan and Greek elements:

    • High podium, deep porch with freestanding columns.

    • Built of local stone, originally overlaid with stucco.

    • Ionic columns with pediment and engaged columns.

Sculpture in the Republican Era

  • L’Arringatore (Aulus Metellus): Hollow-cast bronze representing authority and realism.

  • Portraiture reflects Roman societal values, emphasizing individual characteristics.

Patrician Portraits

  • Emphasis on age and realism, signifying wisdom and experience.

  • The significant Head of a Roman Patrician showcases these traits.

Transition to the Imperial Age

Expansion of Territory

  • Rise of a wealthy elite from conquests; growth of latifundia.

  • Social unrest among poor farmers due to availability of cheaper grain from conquered regions.

Julius Caesar's Actions

  • Served as a military leader restoring order through conquests in Gaul.

  • Introduced public works, citizenship, and the Julian calendar.

  • Relationship with Cleopatra raises Roman concerns leading to his assassination on the Ides of March.

Aftermath of Caesar's Death

  • Augustus Caesar emerges as the first Emperor:

    • Known for peace (Pax Romana) and expansion.

    • Ara Pacis: Monument celebrating Augustus’ achievements.

Subsequent Emperors

  • Tiberius (14-37 CE): Adequate ruler but unpopular.

  • Caligula (37-41 CE): Brutal and unstable.

  • Claudius (41-54 CE): Intelligent ruler who expanded the Empire but faced personal betrayal.

  • Nero (54-68 CE): Known for excess and leadership failures leading to unrest and his eventual suicide.

Key Monumental Structures

Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum)

  • Initiated by Vespasian; symbol of new imperial direction.

  • Capacity for 45,000 spectators, hosting gladiatorial games and public events.

  • Significant for its architectural innovations and cultural impact.