1.2 Historical context and timeline of Roman art

Roman art evolved alongside the empire's growth, reflecting its power and cultural influences. From the Republic's realistic portraiture to the Empire's idealized imagery, artistic styles mirrored societal changes and expanding horizons.

Key events like the Punic Wars and Augustus's reign shaped Roman art. The Pax Romana fostered creativity, while later crises led to new styles. Understanding this timeline helps grasp Roman art's development and lasting impact.

Roman Art: Historical Context

Foundational Events in Roman Art Development

Top images from around the web for Foundational Events in Roman Art Development

• 

  File:Rome in 753 BC.png - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Romans | Boundless Art History View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Timeline of ancient Rome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Rome in 753 BC.png - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Romans | Boundless Art History View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Foundational Events in Roman Art Development

• 

  File:Rome in 753 BC.png - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Romans | Boundless Art History View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Timeline of ancient Rome - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Rome in 753 BC.png - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Romans | Boundless Art History View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Rome's founding in 753 BCE and Roman Republic establishment in 509 BCE initiated Roman artistic development
• Punic Wars (264-146 BCE) and Greece's conquest (146 BCE) exposed Romans to Hellenistic styles and techniques
• Transition from Republic to Empire under Augustus (27 BCE-14 CE) ushered in new era of artistic patronage
• Pax Romana (27 BCE-180 CE) provided stability allowing widespread artistic production (public monuments, frescoes)
• Crisis of the Third Century (235-284 CE) and subsequent reforms led to changes in artistic styles (shift towards abstraction)
• Western Roman Empire's fall in 476 CE marked classical Roman art's end and transition to Early Christian and Byzantine styles

Societal Changes Influencing Roman Art

• Expansion of Roman citizenship broadened artistic patronage base (freedmen commissioning artworks)
• Rise of imperial cult necessitated new forms of art and architecture (imperial portraits, temples)
• Adoption of Christianity as state religion in 4th century CE transformed artistic themes (Christian symbolism in mosaics)
• Increasing wealth disparity led to development of luxury arts (gemstones, silver tableware)
• Military conquests brought new materials and techniques (Egyptian obelisks repurposed in Rome)
• Urbanization spurred development of new architectural forms (insulae, public baths)

Evolution of Roman Art Styles

Early and Republican Roman Art (753-27 BCE)

• Early Roman art (753-509 BCE) heavily influenced by Etruscan and Greek traditions (terracotta votive figurines)
• Focus on practical and religious objects (bronze mirrors, clay votives)
• Republican art (509-27 BCE) developed realistic portraiture reflecting values of ancestry (wax ancestor masks)
• Historical relief sculpture emerged depicting Roman military victories (Altar of Domitius Ahenobarbus)
• Veristic style in portraiture emphasized individual features and imperfections (Bust of an Old Roman)
• Adoption of Greek architectural orders with Roman modifications (Tuscan order)

Imperial Roman Art (27 BCE-476 CE)

• Augustan period (27 BCE-14 CE) established Classical Roman style with idealized forms (Ara Pacis reliefs)
• Julio-Claudian and Flavian dynasties (14-96 CE) further developed imperial style (Flavian female portrait busts)
• Emphasis on naturalism and narrative scenes increased (Trajan's Column)
• High Imperial period (96-235 CE) marked peak of Roman artistic achievement (Pantheon, Hadrian's Villa)
• Blended classical idealism with heightened realism and emotional expression (Marcus Aurelius equestrian statue)
• Late Roman art (235-476 CE) shifted towards abstraction and frontality (Arch of Constantine reliefs)
• Spiritual themes anticipated Early Christian and Byzantine styles (catacomb paintings)

Roman Art and Empire Development

Artistic Influence of Roman Expansion

• Conquest of Magna Graecia in 3rd century BCE introduced Greek artistic traditions (adoption of contrapposto)
• Roman expansion into Hellenistic East brought influx of Greek artworks and artists (Laocoon Group)
• Establishment of Roman colonies spread artistic conventions (forum complexes in provincial capitals)
• Imperial art programs projected Roman power through consistent imagery (Augustus of Primaporta replicas)
• Gradual decentralization in 3rd and 4th centuries CE led to regional artistic styles (Gallic empire coinage)
• Incorporation of local traditions into Roman art forms (Romano-British mosaics)

Art and Empire's Decline

• Division of empire resulted in diverging artistic traditions between East and West (Constantinople vs Rome)
• Eastern Empire preserved classical forms longer (Hagia Sophia in Istanbul)
• Breakdown of trade networks limited availability of materials (decline in use of Carrara marble)
• Shift in patronage from imperial to ecclesiastical sources (Early Christian basilicas)
• Reuse and repurposing of earlier Roman artworks (Arch of Constantine spolia)
• Development of new artistic centers outside Rome (Ravenna mosaics)

Roman Republic vs Roman Empire Art

Thematic and Stylistic Differences

• Republican art emphasized realistic portraiture reflecting individual achievement (Barberini Togatus)
• Imperial art focused on idealized imagery of emperor and family (Gemma Augustea)
• Republican architecture prioritized practical and civic structures (Tabularium)
• Imperial architecture emphasized monumental and luxurious building projects (Baths of Caracalla)
• Veristic style of Republican portraiture gave way to idealized imperial portraits (Augustus vs Pompey portraits)
• Republican art often depicted military victories and political triumphs (Aemilius Paullus Monument)

Patronage and Production Changes

• Transition from predominantly private patronage to state-sponsored art programs (Imperial Fora)
• Development of imperial workshops standardizing artistic production (Arretine ware pottery)
• Expansion of public art displays in forums and baths (Farnese Hercules statue type)
• Increased use of art for propaganda purposes under imperial system (Ara Pacis Augustae)
• Shift from emphasis on gens (family) to focus on individual ruler in portraiture (Julio-Claudian dynastic groups)
• Greater integration of Greek mythological themes in imperial period art (wall paintings from Villa of the Mysteries)