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Roman Art Period

The Roman period, spanning from around 500 BCE to 476 CE, saw the rise of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, known for its military strength, engineering innovations, and practical art influenced by Greek culture. Roman artists emphasized realism, showcasing age and emotion in their works, contrasting with Greek idealism. Architectural innovations such as the arch, vault, and dome allowed for the construction of monumental structures like the Colosseum, while decorative arts included mosaics and frescoes found in public and private buildings.

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35 views9 pages

Roman Art Period

The Roman period, spanning from around 500 BCE to 476 CE, saw the rise of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, known for its military strength, engineering innovations, and practical art influenced by Greek culture. Roman artists emphasized realism, showcasing age and emotion in their works, contrasting with Greek idealism. Architectural innovations such as the arch, vault, and dome allowed for the construction of monumental structures like the Colosseum, while decorative arts included mosaics and frescoes found in public and private buildings.

Uploaded by

glaizabellemabanta
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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• TIMELINE: C.

500 BCE – 476 CE


• Heavily influenced by Greek
art, but more practical and
political
The Roman period began around 500 BCE with the Roman
Republic and later became the Roman Empire in 27 BCE when
Augustus became the first emperor. Rome grew from a small city
in Italy into one of the largest empires in history, covering Europe,
North Africa, and parts of Asia. The Romans were known for their
powerful army, strong laws, and great engineering — they built
roads, aqueducts, and huge buildings. Roman culture was heavily
influenced by the Greeks, but they made art and architecture
more practical and political. The Western Roman Empire fell in
476 CE, but the Eastern part, known as the Byzantine Empire,
lasted much longer.
• Realism over idealism
• Busts of emperors,
historical reliefs (e.g.,
Trajan's Column)
Realism (Verism)
• Roman artists focused on realistic details, not perfection.
• Showed wrinkles, age, and emotion — meant to represent wisdom,
experience, and power.
• This was different from Greek idealism, which showed perfect, youthful
bodies.

Busts of Emperors
• Innovation: arch, vault,
dome
• Examples: Colosseum,
Pantheon
1. Arch
⚬ Curved structure that supports more weight than flat
beams.
⚬ Used in bridges, aqueducts, and buildings.
2. Vault
⚬ Series of arches forming a tunnel.
⚬ Allowed for large roofed spaces (like in basilicas and
baths).
3. Dome
⚬ Rounded ceiling created by rotating an arch in a
circle.
⚬ Made huge open interiors possible.
These innovations helped build stronger, larger, and more
complex structures.
Example: Colosseum
• Large amphitheater in Rome used for gladiator games
and public events.
• Used arches and vaults to support its massive size.
• Could hold over 50,000 people.
• Found in villas, public
buildings
• Example: Pompeii wall
paintings
• Made by setting small pieces of colored stone, glass, or tile (called tesserae)
into floors or walls.
• Used in homes, baths, and public buildings.
• Showed scenes from mythology, daily life, nature, or geometric patterns.
• Durable and decorative — showed the wealth of the owner.
Example:
• The Alexander Mosaic (from Pompeii) shows Alexander the Great vs.
Persian King Darius.
• Wall paintings made by applying pigment on wet plaster, which dries into the wall.
• Found in villas and buildings like in Pompeii and Herculaneum.
• Showed landscapes, still life, gods, or daily life scenes.
• Gave rooms color, depth, and sometimes even illusion of open space or windows.
Example:
• Frescoes from the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii show a mystery religious ritual.

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