Midterm II: Roman Republic

Question 1

Answer 1

Head of a Roman Patrician

Question 2

• Know the ways in which the Roman Republic projected its attributes through its art.

Their art is conquering and moving people. Roads=Trade, (trade coming in, troops going out)

Characteristics of Roman Art

Propaganda, Grecophiles- Love Greek, Etruscan influence and lingering culture, Dynamic Functionalism= skill and precision= innovation: engineering and an understanding of materials; man can conquer nature, republic > individual.

Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia is a good example of this - showcased the Roman Republic’s ability to create an experience for the viewer (plus capitalism! Shopping! Trade is the bomb all working together go republic yeah)

• Know the innovations of Roman Architecture.

The arch - Romans did not invent the arch, but they utilize it a lot. It holds weight better than post and lintel architecture. Spreads out the weight more equally because of keystone. Can build taller buildings. Arches led to groin vaults, barrel vaults, and domes.

The dome - when we see domes, we should instantly think ROME

Brick and concrete - concrete is made from an aggregate (stone, tufa), water, sand, and lime.

(Greek skin - Roman bones) Some things look Greek but have Roman structural components. - engaged columns, temple of portunus, pantheon

• Know the basic elements of the Roman Villa (Atrium, Cubiculum, Peristyle, Triclinium. . . )
  vestibule: entrance. mosaics on the floor
  atrium: place where business was conducted, private met public, meet with clients.

Cubiculum - The bedroom

Triclinium - The dining room

Peristyle - The garden

• Know the basic elements of the Four Pompeian Styles of fresco wall decoration.

1st Pompeian style - incrustation: fake fresco of marble: surface and facade. Imitated sophistication even though they couldn’t afford the actual pieces.

2nd Pompeian style - architectonic: a window on the world/small stage. an escape.

Villa of the Mysteries Frescos is painted in this style

3rd Pompeian style - ornamental: painted to look architectural, purely decorative, fanciful

4th Pompeian style - intricate: all of the above/mixture. Panels of decoration, painted copies of Greek paintings.

Answer 2

• What was the true art of the Romans? In which ways did they appropriate art and architecture from other cultures? What were their primary contributions?

Innovation (Dynamic functionalism) was the main art of the romans. they were grecophiles and took significant inspiration from conquered cultures, specifically greeks and etruscans, and appropriate greek art styles - most of the preserved sculpture is roman. they innovated, specifically in architecture - rerouting rivers, the dome, aqueducts

In which ways is art used to support a Republic and/or an Empire? PROPAGANDA! Most Roman Empire art was used by the emperors to make themselves seem powerful and unbeatable. this helped prevent revolt from the plebians (lower class). The Republic also knew how to use art for propaganda and used verism to show the wisdom of the Republican leaders.

Question 3

Answer 3

Temple of Portunus

Question 4

Answer 4

Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia

Question 5

Answer 5

Villa of the Mysteries frescoes