Week 6 Flashcards
Portraiture and Art and Architecture of Death
What are the key characteristics of Republican Portraiture in ancient Rome?
Verism (truth), depicting subjects honestly, including their imperfections such as scars and wrinkles. Focus on the head, hyper-realistic to convey individuality and depict military experience, education, and intelligence.
What are the key characteristics of Julio-Claudian Portraiture in ancient Rome?
Aimed to project an idealized image of the subject, particularly evident during the reign of Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE).
What are the key characteristics of Flavian Portraiture in ancient Rome?
Return to verism. Under Vespasian (69-79 CE), realistic features and military garb. Introduction of Drill, intricate details such as female hairstyles with curls.
What are the key characteristics of Servian Portraiture in ancient Rome?
Angst, heavy brow, short hair, authoritarian, depicted in Caracalla (198-217 CE) and Geta (209-211 CE),
What are the key characteristics of Nerva-Antonine Portraiture in ancient Rome?
Ageless, youthful yet mature, pupils on eyes, beards, military garb
Who were the libitinarius, and what restrictions did they face in their profession?
“Undertakers” handling funeral arrangements and burial rites. Considered impure and prohibited from entering temples or participating in religious activities.
What are larva and what purpose did they serve?
Figurines or representations of skeletons or spirits. Reminders of the inevitability of death and the transient nature of life.
What was the function of ustrina?
Modern mausoleum, cubbies that each hold remains of others to save space
What was inscribed on tombs?
Dis Manibus [D.M.] - to the (manes) ancestral spirits
What saying was associated with the Mausoleum of Augustus?
Res Gestae Divi Augusti
(The things done of divine Augustus)
How did you create a Roman portrait on a coin?
obverse (face) and reverse (no face) die are ‘punched’ over an anvil
What was the Tomb of Eurysaces depicted to?
a freedman baker
Where were ancestral busts typically located in Roman villas?
Tablinium
