7.3 Republican Roman art and architecture

Republican Roman art blended Italic traditions with Greek influences. It featured veristic portraiture, historical reliefs, and evolving wall painting styles. This period saw the development of realistic sculpture techniques and the adoption of Greek artistic conventions.

Roman temple architecture evolved from Etruscan models, incorporating Greek elements and innovative Roman engineering. The use of concrete enabled more complex designs. Public spaces like the Forum and basilicas shaped urban landscapes, reflecting the Republic's political and civic needs.

Republican Roman Art

Characteristics and Styles

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• Republican Roman art spanned from 509 BCE to 27 BCE blended native Italic traditions with Greek influences
• Verism emerged as a hyper-realistic portraiture style emphasized individual features and imperfections
• First Style of Roman wall painting (Masonry Style) imitated marble and stone blocks through painted plaster
• Historical relief panels depicted military triumphs and political events served as propaganda tools
• Terracotta sculpture influenced by Etruscan traditions remained popular in architectural decoration
• Roman portraiture development laid foundation for individualized and realistic depictions
  • Captured unique facial features and expressions
  • Emphasized age and experience through wrinkles and imperfections
• Greek artistic conventions adoption increased as the Republic expanded territories
  • Idealized human forms in sculpture (Apollo Belvedere)
  • Use of contrapposto pose for more natural stance

Artistic Mediums and Techniques

• Sculpture utilized various materials including marble, bronze, and terracotta
  • Bronze casting techniques improved allowing for larger and more complex sculptures
  • Marble carving skills advanced enabling intricate details and textures
• Wall painting techniques evolved from simple color washes to complex illusionistic scenes
  • Development of fresco secco method allowed for more detailed and durable murals
  • Use of perspective and shading created depth and realism in painted scenes
• Mosaic art gained popularity for floor and wall decorations
  • Tesserae (small colored stones or glass pieces) used to create intricate designs
  • Emblema technique produced highly detailed central panels in larger mosaic compositions
• Coin design and minting became more sophisticated
  • Portrait heads of important figures replaced earlier symbolic designs
  • Reverse sides often depicted historical events or propaganda messages

Roman Temple Architecture

Etruscan Influences

• Roman temples evolved from Etruscan models incorporated high podium, frontal stairs, and deep porch (pronaos)
• Tuscan order developed as a simplified version of the Doric order widely used in early temple construction
• Emphasis on temple facade and use of terracotta decorations reflected Etruscan influence
  • Elaborate roof ornaments and pediment sculptures adorned temples
  • Colorful terracotta plaques used for exterior decoration
• Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus (6th century BCE) exemplified early Roman temple architecture
  • Built on a high podium with a deep front porch
  • Featured a triple cella (inner chamber) dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva
• Wood remained a primary construction material in early temples following Etruscan tradition
  • Gradually replaced by stone and concrete in later periods

Greek and Roman Innovations

• Greek elements gradually incorporated into Roman temple design
  • Stone replaced wood as primary construction material
  • Greek orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) adopted and adapted
• Concrete (opus caementicium) development allowed for more innovative and flexible designs
  • Enabled construction of larger and more complex structures
  • Facilitated creation of vaulted ceilings and domes
• Circular temple plans emerged such as the Temple of Hercules Victor
  • Peripteral design with columns surrounding the entire structure
  • Conical roof added a distinctive Roman touch
• Temple of Portunus (1st century BCE) illustrated transition to Hellenized Roman architecture
  • Pseudoperipteral design with engaged columns along the sides
  • Ionic order used for the columns and entablature
• Roman temples often incorporated a raised platform (stylobate) accessed by a frontal staircase
  • Enhanced the temple's visual impact and monumentality
  • Provided space for ritual activities and public gatherings

Public Spaces in Republican Rome

Political and Civic Structures

• Roman Forum evolved from marketplace to political and religious center
  • Housed important buildings like Curia (Senate house) and various temples
  • Served as venue for public speeches, trials, and ceremonies
• Comitium developed as open-air gathering space for political assemblies
  • Circular design facilitated public participation in voting and debates
  • Gradually superseded by the larger Forum space as population grew
• Basilicas introduced for commercial and legal activities shaped urban landscape
  • Basilica Aemilia (179 BCE) provided covered space for business transactions
  • Basilica Julia (54 BCE) housed law courts and public meetings
• Curia building served as meeting place for Roman Senate
  • Evolved from simple structure to monumental edifice
  • Curia Julia (begun by Julius Caesar) became the standard design

Commemorative and Utilitarian Structures

• Triumphal arches introduced to commemorate military victories
  • Arch of Fabius (121 BCE) among earliest examples
  • Typically featured a single archway with sculptural reliefs and inscriptions
• Public fountains and aqueducts demonstrated Roman engineering prowess
  • Aqua Appia (312 BCE) first Roman aqueduct improved water supply
  • Nymphaea (monumental public fountains) added beauty to urban landscape
• Honorific columns and statues erected in public spaces
  • Commemorated important individuals and reinforced social hierarchies
  • Rostra (speakers' platform) in Forum adorned with naval trophies and statues
• Public baths began to appear in late Republican period
  • Provided spaces for hygiene, socializing, and exercise
  • Reflected growing emphasis on public amenities and urban planning

Greek Influence on Roman Culture

Artistic and Architectural Adaptations

• Greek territories conquest led to influx of artworks and artists into Rome
  • Sack of Syracuse (212 BCE) and Corinth (146 BCE) brought Greek masterpieces
  • Greek artists and craftsmen immigrated to Rome seeking patronage
• Greek artistic styles and techniques adopted by Roman artists
  • Contrapposto in sculpture created more natural poses
  • Perspective in painting enhanced depth and realism
• "Roman copy" concept emerged with replicas of famous Greek works
  • Often modified to suit Roman tastes and purposes
  • Allowed wider dissemination of Greek artistic achievements
• Greek architectural orders incorporated into Roman buildings
  • Corinthian order became particularly popular in Roman architecture
  • Greek temple designs adapted for Roman religious and civic structures

Cultural and Intellectual Integration

• Greek mythology and iconography became popular subjects in Roman art
  • Reflected growing Hellenization of Roman culture
  • Adapted Greek myths to Roman contexts and values
• Greek art collection practice symbolized cultural sophistication
  • Public and private spaces displayed Greek artworks
  • Roman elites competed to acquire renowned Greek pieces
• Greek philosophical and literary traditions influenced Roman intellectual life
  • Roman authors adapted Greek literary genres (epic, drama, lyric poetry)
  • Greek philosophical schools established presence in Rome
• Bilingualism in Greek and Latin became mark of educated Romans
  • Greek tutors sought after for education of elite Roman youth
  • Knowledge of Greek culture considered essential for Roman statesmen