The Role of Art in Ancient Rome

In the world’s history Rome is one of the country’s known for the production of art that captured the eyes of many. The Romans engaged in artwork that helped articulate they culture as well as express their feelings. Romans gained their art skills from the Greeks and Etruscans who were more skilled in the aspect. In fact, people preferred Greeks’ art following the notion that they had superior skills. Therefore, Romans copied and modeled the Greeks design to produce ones that were more appealing to people. The designs also incorporated the Roman culture to help eliminate the aspect of fully copying the Greek’s masterpieces. Indeed, they aimed to eradicate the notion of Greeks’ superiority in the production of art.

The Romans embraced different artwork that helped them define their cultural and structural activities with progression in time. Among them includes architecture, painting, and sculptures. To make the art appear more compelling, Romans believed that any material could be modified. Thus, developed designs that focused on recording historical events that were not accompanied by mythological metaphor and symbolism. Art was designed based on location to help signify the cultural practices and structural models adopted by specific communities.

Notably, despite both the Romans and Greeks engaging in the artwork they had a different primary purpose. The Romans used art to symbolize wealth and as a form of decoration while Greeks adopted it as a way of embracing the existence of the theory of philosophy that focuses on further development of art and appreciation of aesthetic beauty. The roman used sculptures in blending the idealism of the early classical Greek ideologies. Sculptors preserved pieces that appeared invaluable to the community but later turned into the most famous art in the Romans history. Romans developed sculptures that created the actual appearance of Rome. The Roman architects engaged in the development of both simple and complex designs that even in the modern Rome are of great significance. Ideally, they perfected the Greeks models through advanced construction structures. Paintings, on the other hand, were used in the decoration of the interior design of buildings.

Rome is regarded as one the most powerful countries that during the ancient times focused on the production of the most captivating art. Even in the present days, most of the art developed in the early days still has meaning to the Romans and also captures and maintains the attention of many in the modern days. The most remembered Roman ancient art includes mosaic work, painting, sculpture, and architecture. The ancient Rome was for several centuries the most powerful country in the world that excelled significantly in areas such as architecture, military organization, engineering, and warfare. Indeed, this was attributed to the fact that Rome embraced unique cultural achievements thus had a competitive advantage compared to other powerful European nations. Despite the superiority, the Roman painters and sculptors managed to produce a limited number of original fine art. As a result, Romans decided to adopt the Greek art which at the moment was considered most attractive and superior. Arguably, this is because Greeks had already mastered most of the art techniques that the Romans adopted such as decoration, painting, and sculpture. Nonetheless, the Roman artists imitated, copied and innovated the Greek’s art to produce more advanced and attractive pieces.

However, at times the quality could appear compromising but exceeded by far their predecessors’ craftsmanship.

Fundamentally, Romans believed in the aspect that any material could be modified into an object of art. Hence, focused on historically recording events that were not accompanied by mythological metaphor as well as symbolism. The adoption of the Greek’s art was attributed to the fact that in the Republican era, Rome had succeeded in conquering Greece thus most of the Greek artists migrated into the Roman Empire where they could enhance their career and also advance their artistic skills. In essence, this influenced Romans to adapt their art following the notion that it was perfect and appealing to the eyes of many. Nevertheless, there existed significant differences regarding the primary purpose of engaging in art between the Greeks and Romans. The Romans embraced art as a way of illustrating wealth and as a way of decoration. On the contrary, to Greeks art was used as a way of appreciating the existences of aesthetic beauty and the theory of philosophy adopted in the attempt to enhance understanding of art.

The Roman art was consistently changing to facilitate incorporation of the evolving culture of the Romans. Notably, the aspect of art saw its way to Rome in the ancient times when the country led an indefensible existence. Before the establishment of the Roman Republic, Rome was under the control of Etruscan kings who authorized the adoption of Etruscan art including metalwork and sculptures. The art was mainly used in the decoration of the kings’ tombs and palaces. The most appealing art was preserved to be used in the celebration of military victory. During the republic time, the Romans came into contact with the Greeks and Etruscans who greatly influenced the Romans to begin embracing art. Due to the unique objects developed by the two communities some individuals saw the need for artwork in the Roman culture. However, at the moment roman leaders were not in any way interested in art. Instead, they focused on military strategies that necessitated their survival. The ideology held its course until Rome won the Punic Wars thus feeling safe from its surrounding. It was now a moment to settle and embrace culture hence offering a great opportunity to the artists for embracing their talent.

With regard to the discovery of the Roman art it has suffered an immense crisis concerning its reputation. Notably, this was attributed to the fact that art critics realized that even the most prominent of the Roman pieces were copies of the Greek art that was only modified to create more appealing pieces. Further, Romans employed varying approaches to art which depended on location. The different centers for producing art were influenced by factors such taste, cultural practices, and trends.

Regardless of the raised concerns about the Roman architecture many believed that it defined its approach similar to how the Romans carried themselves. In essence, the early Roman artwork appeared more direct and realistic with portraits being of both two and three dimensions. The Romans suffered from the aspect of cultural inferiority thus attracting the notion that the Greek art was superior.

Most of the Roman engineering and architecture was bold since they modernized their ideas. However, the art of sculpture and painting was influenced by the Greeks way of life. Hence, making the Roman artistic style have the inferiority complex when compared with the Greeks art attainments.

Romans engaged in different artwork that helped define their cultural and structural activities over the progression of time. Firstly, there is the Roman sculpture which perfectly blended the idealism of the early classical Greek ideologies. Following the adoption of the ancient Greek masterpieces, Roman sculptors were able to preserve the posterity of the works which was considered invaluable to the eyes of many and could also be lost in the process. Some of the pieces maintained by the Romans were found to be among the most popular in the Roman art history.

In essence, this is because the artists modified the Greeks’ masterpieces to arise at more appealing arts that not only embraced the Greeks tradition but bear meaning to the Romans who got the opportunity to see the new pieces. The Romans preferred to use marble and bronze in the development of their most elegant work since it was easy to model them in the desired shape. Further, marble and bronze created art that was shiny and attractive to the society compared other available materials that could be used in the making of sculptures. However, art made from metal experienced a challenge since there was high demand for metal reuse thus most of the statues were destroyed in the process.

The only work that survived the reuse were those made from marble.

With progress in time, the Roman sculpture began breaching its root from the ways of the Greeks and Etruscan. The venture was attributed to the search for new avenues that best fitted the Roman culture. At this juncture, the Roman artists were striving to articulate and create more optical effects that facilitated shading light to the more significant realism of the Roman culture. Arguably, the Roman artists were embracing their work and eliminating the notion of superiority of the Greeks artwork. For instance, the realism of the Roman funerary art and portrait sculpture was developed from the culture of preserving the wax funeral masks of the departed souls in the ancestral home.

Further, the community also modeled the sculptures using stones that were made in individual portraits that either appeared scarred, old, floppy, or wrinkled. Such paintings helped reveal the actual appearance of the society since everything was not always new but at times things became blur. The Roman artists began embracing this aspect and started creating sculptures that represented the actual appearance of the society rather than developing pieces that only made their work appear impressive. Later, they established the move of impressionism that involved the use of abstract and light forms in the development of artwork. Notably, this resulted in the establishment of monumental that represented emperors, heroes, and gods. One of the notable examples of the sculptures is the bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius that is found in Rome even today. Fundamentally, in the Roman altars and buildings, sculptures were not created for purposes of decoration. Instead, they served a political purpose of representing successful individuals or events in the society. For instance, the triumphal arches contained a collection of the essential campaign activities hence it helped in reinforcing the aspect that emperor was a civilizing tool that had significant impacts on the entire world. Altars were embraced in the representation of an essential person in the community who had participated in a victorious activity.

Secondly, architecture which forms the basis of the most significant contribution that Rome made in the history of art. Romans developed architectural designs in the construction of buildings that even in the modern world are preserved for their historical significance. During the republic age, the Roman architect realized the technique to make the curved arch and the round temple. As time passed, Roman engineers and architects advanced their technologies and begun developing urban buildings in significant amounts. Essentially, the aspect of architecture was used by the Romans to establish structures of shapes that best suited their activities as well as embraced their culture.

For instance, the discovery of the round temple served as a great deal to the Catholics. It was at the circular temples that priests prayed with their visitors. Even in the contemporary world, Catholic churches adopt the model which necessitates efficient progression of the various involved activities in a mass. Notably, with the discovery Romans, architects were able to participate in the erection of historic structure such as the Colosseum and Pantheon. Ideally, this was only possible after the realization of the technique of building the arch. It entailed the excellent understanding of strong and cheaply available materials such as bricks and concrete that could firmly hold the arc in position.

Fundamentally, it is of the essence to note that the Roman architects did not invent the arch but gained the knowledge from the Greek architecture. However, Romans were the first to establish how multiple arches and vaults could be constructed. Indeed, this was necessitated by the government efforts to support the architects in their work. It offered financial assistance giving the artists the opportunity to access quality materials that facilitated the construction of the sophisticated structures. It was from this knowledge that the architects invented the Roman groin vault that served as a significant improvement of the available Greek that necessitated the support of heavier weights and covered wider openings. In Rome, vaults and arches played a substantial role in the erection of other structures such as the baths of Caracalla. A further advancement in the architectural field was the dome which facilitated roofing of buildings that covered large areas. Hence, the Romans could enjoy living and even perform other activities in structures that best met their needs and had an appealing outlook. Therefore, it is imperative that architecture was an essential aspect that influenced the changing conception of the Romans as well as their structural matters.

Thirdly, there is painting which was extensively adopted in the decorations of buildings. Most of the Roman buildings were decorated in the interior with the use of bold designs and colors that caught the attention of many who had the chance to lay their eyes on them. In the republican times, wall painting and stucco were mostly embraced in creating relieve effects to the painters. Some of the areas that were painted included public buildings, temples, homes, and tombs. During the painting process, the Roman painters embraced natural earth colors including yellow, brown, and darker shades of red. In plain designs, black and blue pigments were adopted as witnessed in the Pompeii paint. Arguably, painting gave people the opportunity to express their feelings as well as develop the art of their interest. Prominent people and structures could be produced. In the modern museums, such paintings are witnessed. Most painters extensively demonstrated their skills by creating images that not only attracted viewers but also maintained their attention. Notably, they also adopted scenes from both the New and Old Testament following the fact that Rome is a nation whose population are Christians.

Rome began with inhabitation of tiny villages controlled by individuals who had a more considerable influence on others. However, as time passed the Roman Empires combined their forces to create the Roman Republic. Following the combination, conflicts were initiated with the neighboring communities mainly other Mediterranean powers. Through the wars, Rome was able to conquer most of its enemies thus gaining control over a vast territory that was put under the control of Roman emperors.

The emperors were to ensure that no force raised its weapons against Rome. To facilitate efficient control of its territories, Rome established a strong administration system and intensive monitoring of the region by a disciplined army. Further, there was an excellent communication system established in the area that allowed the constant flow of information. The nation had strategically established forts where the army was located to ensure that the empire was adequately protected from hostile communities that might have had an interest in waging war against the Roman Empire.

Rome was a country that embraced trade hence directed its finances in establishing an excellent road network that necessitated swift movement of people within the empire and facilitated trade activities since individuals could efficiently carry their trade commodities from one region to another. The country was further enriched by the taxes imposed on people from items such as minerals and grains. Slaves also attributed to the growth of a state since they could be utilized in the provision of cheap labor. As a result, the many diverse individuals with varying cultures were brought together to form the Roman Empire that was unified by a common culture.

The above-instituted strategies facilitated the progressive growth in architectural designs, painting, and sculptures. Arguably, this is because people were united and embraced a common culture thus focused on developing things that either improved their lives or enhanced their talents. Romans viewed themselves as people who embraced peace and focused on the improvement of each other’s life. Nevertheless, they believed in the aspect of superiority hence conquered most of the neighboring powers and brought them under their control. Rome imposed policies that required everyone to embrace the Roman culture whose basis was peace. Therefore, those who were under the authority of instructors viewed them as superiors and respected their decisions. However, when aspects of decision making were noted suggestions were always welcome. The instructor never saw fellow Romans as servants. Instead, they were community members like them who aimed at the growth of Rome. The Romans even believed that the acquisition of slaves was a way of improving their lives by offering work, though with little payments. Therefore, it is imperative to state that Romans viewed each other as equals with those in influential positions being given the necessary respect thus facilitate the attainment of the established goals. Emperors also did not consider other individuals as servants but people working towards the growth of Rome.

Rome is indeed one of the most powerful nations that focused on the creation of more appealing art. Even in the contemporary days some of their developed art stills bears meaning to the Romans. Rome is widely known for being the dominant nation that significantly excelled in aspects relating to architecture, painting, and sculpture. Indeed, this was attributed to the fact that Rome embraced unique cultural developments. The Romans copied and imitated Greek’s art design since in the early days Greece was regarded superior in art development hence most people preferred art developed in their design. However, the Roman artists adopted the Greeks’ art but modified it to represent the community’s way of life. The imitation of the Greek’s art attracted a crisis that ruined the reputation of its designs. Romans indulged in the art of architecture, painting, and sculptures that were progressively developed based on the advancement of structural and cultural matters. They modified the artwork to suit their daily activities better. Rome also enhanced its territory from tiny villages to the powerful western country through the conquering of neighboring powers and assimilating them into their culture. Romans viewed each other as equals hence handled fellow Romans with respect at all times.

Bibliography

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[1] Encyclopedia of Art. ”Roman Art: Origins, History, Types, Characteristics.” Visual Arts Encyclopedia. Accessed March 28, 2018. http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/roman-art.htm.

[2] Cartwright, Mark. ”Roman Art.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Last modified September 1, 2017. https://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Art/.

[3]

Ibid

[4] Oxford University. ”Roman Art and Architecture.” Oxford Art. Last modified 2018. http://www.oxfordartonline.com/page/roman-art-and-architecture#

[5]

Ibid

[6]

Ibid

[7] Hays, Jeffrey. ”Ancient Roman Sculpture: Facts and Details.” Last modified 2012. http://factsanddetails.com/world/cat56/sub369/item2063.html.

[8] Winkler, Mary. ”History of Art: Roman.” Design & Illustration Envato Tuts. Last modified November 7, 2016. https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/history-of-art-roman--cms-27428.

[9]

Ibid

[10]

Ibid

[11]

Darbee, Jeff. “Classicism and Conservation: A Celebration of Roman Architecture.” Places 14, no. 3 (2002).

[12]

Ibid

[13] Welch, Katherine E. ”Art and architecture in the Roman Republic.” A companion to the Roman Republic (2006): 496-542.

[14]

Ling, Roger. Roman painting. Cambridge University Press, 1991.

[15]

Wilson, R. J. A., J. Bordman, T. Griffin, and O. Murray. Roman art and architecture. Oxford Illustrated History, 1990.

[16]

Turnbull, Percival. ”Roman Empire.” CentOS. Accessed March 28, 2018. http://wwwg.uni-klu.ac.at/archeo/chrono/empire.htm.

[17]

Encyclopedia Britannica. ”The Transformation of Rome and Italy during the Middle Republic.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Last modified 2018. https://www.britannica.com/place/ancient-Rome/The-transformation-of-Rome-and-Italy-during-the-Middle-Republic.

[18] Ibid., 342

[19]

Arno, Claudia I. ”How Romans Became “Roman”: Creating Identity in an Expanding World.” PhD diss., University of Michigan, 2012.

[20]

TimeMaps. ”Ancient Rome, One of the Great Civilizations and Empires of World History.” TimeMaps. Last modified 2018. https://www.timemaps.com/civilizations/ancient-rome/.