Final Essays

Question 1

In what ways do we see Etruscan influence on Roman art and architecture during the Monarchy and Republic? Please discuss at least one example of architecture (that is, the architectural plan of a structure), and at least one example of statuary, and make sure that at least one example comes from the Monarchy and one example comes from the Republic (remember that you need three examples total).

Answer 1

1. Temple of Jupiter Optimus, Stone, Capitoline Hill, Rome, Monarchy: resembles an Etruscan type of temple because of the decoration on the roof, steps only in the front/frontality, 3 cella’s in the back…so main temple of Rome is Etruscan
2. Temple of Portunus, Stone, Rome, Republic: cella’s are in the back, has a high platform, and frontality with 1 staircase in the front.
3. Hercules and Minerva, painted terra-cotta, Cattle Market Temple, Rome, Monarchy: made of terra-cotta, found on the roof, monumental in size

Question 2

In what ways were art and politics connected in antiquity?Please answer the question in 4 detailed paragraphs:

• Paragraph 1: Eastern Mediterranean (Mesopotamia/ Egypt/ Aegean): 2 examples
• Paragraph 2: Ancient Greece: 2 examples
• Paragraph 3: Ancient Rome: 2 examples
• Paragraph 4: Overall conclusions about connections between art and politics in antiquity

Answer 2

1. 1: law code of hammurabi, basalt, susa, babylonian: used to show authority, keep order, and displayed power and hierarchy
2. 2: Palette of King Narmer, stone, Hierakonpolis, pre-dynastic egypt: showing his power, showing he has divine protection, slaying someone, theme of unification
3. 1: tyrant killers, roman interpretation of bronze original, athens, archaic: defending against tyranny, ushers in democracy, all about who has the power
4. 2: Classical Acropolis, marble, Athens, Classical: shows political and financial power, had enough money to rebuild, and showed off their victory every chance they got
5. 1: arch of constantine, marble, rome, late empire: theme of portraying your accomplishments, and using architecture as propaganda
6. 2: augustus as general, marble, primaporta, augustan: showing divine ancestry, breastplate shows propaganda, showing he is a young, able, general and ruler

Question 3

In what ways do we see Greek influence on Roman art and architecture of the Republic? Please discuss at least one example of architecture (that is, the architectural plan of a structure), and at least one example of statuary (remember that you need three examples total).

Answer 3

1. Sanctuary of Fortuna, concrete, Palestrina, Republic: modeled after Greek sanctuaries, multiple levels, dramatic placement on a hillside with view, play with what’s hidden (hidden temple)
2. Temple of Portunus, stone, rome, republic: ionic columns, pseudo-peripteral, and the use of stone
3. roman general, marble, italy, republic: idealization/perfect body, a lot of nudity, strong and fit

Question 4

What characterizes Roman art and architecture during Early Empire (Augustus through the Flavians)? Please discuss one example of architecture, one example of statuary, and one example of painting, and make sure at least one example comes from the reign of Augustus and one example comes from the reign of other Julio-Claudian or Flavian emperors(remember that you need three examples total).

Answer 4

1. Altar of Peace, Carrara Marble, Rome, Augustan: shows the importance of the two themes: Aeneas Relief shows the importance of origins and ancestry (aeneas started rome, aeneas is Venus’ son), and the Procession is symbolic of fertility and carrying on a dynasty with all the women and children
2. funerary statue, marble, rome, early empire: flavian hairstyle of females having large hair with curls, and also the notion that females were naked and lacked the modesty as with Praxitele’s aphrodite
3. black room, fresco, villa at boscotrecase, early empire: 3rd style of painting, with unrealistic architecture, very small patches, monochrome colors, and the wall becomes a wall again

Question 5

What characterizes Roman art and architecture during the High and Late Empire (Trajan through Constantine)? Please discuss one example of architecture, one example of statuary, and one example of painting, and make sure at least one example comes from the High Empire (Trajan through Antonines) and one example comes from the Late Empire (Severans through Constantine) (remember that you need three examples total).

Answer 5

1. Trebonianus Gallus, bronze, rome, late empire: older, facial hair, totally nude, really buff
2. double sided portrait, encaustic on wood, faiyum, egypt, high empire: combo of egyptian funerary customs with roman painting, which shows how big the empire was…vivid, realistic depictions of people
3. arch of constantine, marble, rome, late empire: theme of portraying your accomplishments, and using architecture as propaganda