-
The Roman Republic grew to be a culturally diverse society where politics began to influence art more than religion. Art during this period is a reflection of these cultural and political influences. Hellenistic and Veristic styles dominate the sculpture to exalt political leaders.
-
This relief would have ornamented an altar base at the Temple of Mars. The political and ritual depictions of Roman citizenship indicate artistic values of order during this era in Rome -
The unnamed Roman aristocrat exemplifies the veristic style during the Roman Republic. Here we find the gravitas, the seriousness in his expression. Romans found it more effective politically to identify/represent themselves as wise and tired rather than beautiful and dynamic. -
Inside a villa in Pompeii, one would find this fantastic fresco employing visual illusions into lush landscapes. Hellenistic Greek influences are found in the Corinthian columns of the mural, while its expansive nature indicates Roman ambition. -
Following civil wars, Octavian took control of Rome and grew it into an Empire spanning the east and west. The power and cultural influence of Rome were reflected in the abundance and idealized styles of Imperial art, where art often functioned as propaganda, a show of strength.
-
A piece of propaganda, the Altar of Augustan Peace commemorates his reign,
-
After tumultuous civil wars, Diocletian split Rome into segments. Through this fragmentation and weak leadership, the Roman Empire dissolved into the Byzantine Empire. Late Roman Art can be distinguished by a shift from the naturalism of typical classical sculpture.
-
When Western Rome dissolved, Constantinople became the new Empire. The Emperor ended polytheistic Rome in his transition to Christianity. Because Christianity was not yet popular, Christian art subverted typical Roman figures and icons into subtle nods to Christian representations and stories.