Important Artworks of the Roman Republic

Introduction

The Romans were considered way ahead of their times. It was further proven in 509 BC when the Roman public overthrew the King and decided a Republic would rule them.

They elected representatives, and they would lay their needs and expectations in the Roman Senate. With no supreme king to rule over the wealthy people, this system started a new trend that would revolutionize the world of Art. That is how the rise of making bronze sculptures came into existence. They were like true portraits, and the Romans captured the real face, and it was called Verism.

Beginnings of Artistry

Roman Art is a wide topic spanning three continents and almost 1,000 years, dating back to the beginnings of the Roman Republic in 509 BC till 330 CE if the Byzantine period is to be considered. It encompassed marble, terracotta, painting, gems, mosaic, silver, and bronze in their artwork.

They were welcoming of taking inspiration from other art styles or forms like the Mediterranean, Greek, Etruscan, and Egyptian styles in the artwork, and its influences can be seen.

• Greek Art was predominant in Roman artwork, given that bronze head sculpture was so famous in that period. After the establishment of the Roman Republic, the wealthy started getting interested in Art. It was made for the public to enjoy scenes of military accomplishments and human sacrifices.

• Patrons of Art immortalized themselves by getting their sculptures done, which portrayed them as bald, wrinkled, and with large noses, which related to the sentiment that they had worked for the Republic their whole life. This art form was called Verism.

• Imperial Art was called classical Art, which Greek Art heavily influenced, and the elements most commonly used were smooth lines, naturalistic forms, drapery, and nude bodies.

The Republic of Rome ended after Augustus came to power and Imperial Rome was established. The Art produced in that period was divided into the periods of who the rulers were. The names of the rulers are as follows −

• Augustan - 27 B.C.E -14 C.E.

• Julio Claudian- 14- 68 C.E.

• Flavian- 69- 98 C.E.

• Trajanic- 98- 117 C.E.

• Hadrianic - 117- 138 C.E.

• Antonine- 138- 193 C.E.

• Severan - 193- 235 C.E.

• Soldier Emperor - 235- 284 C.E.

• Tetrarchic - 284- 312 C.E.

• Constantinian -307- 337 C.E.

The classical or imperial art form influenced Augustan and Julio Claudian dynasties. The emperor was depicted as young and handsome, like a young athlete in the artwork, The Augustus of Primaporta.

Further, there was a shift from imperial Art to Severan style, referred to as Late Antiquity, and it was all about stiffness. Less naturalistic poses and important figures were seen above the rest to prove the hierarchy.

Spoils of War

After the wars were won against the foes, it was a custom to bring back notable and valuable objects from the enemies, like currency, arms, armor, exotic animals, and sometimes even people, as spoils of war.

In museums in Rome today, these spoils of war are showcased, and most of them are from Greek cities, which the Romans captured. They were looted, plundered, and then taken back to Rome at that time, which was considered a mark of triumph.

Amellius Paullus, a roman general, led a victory parade in 167 BC, and it included so many spoils of war in the form of artwork. Some of these pieces are on display in museums.

Age of Sulla and Caesar

In 130 BC, the dictatorship of Sulla and the first consulate of Caesar changed Rome's political and cultural ideology and impacted Roman Art. When Roman people started gaining interest in Art, it began developing its own identity and characteristics, which gave birth to a new Roman artistic identity.

A new form of painting style was discovered called Pompeian. Many Greek artists had come to Rome, and they brought about this change. It was common at that time for home walls to be painted with exceptional artistry and pictorials, the most famous painting of this time is the Odyssey from the Via Graziosa house.

Notable Artists

Rome has always been known as the city of Art and flourished under emperor Augusta. Not only during his reign, but many notable artists also contributed to Art before or after that, and they were −

Iaia

Iaia was a female painter who used ivory engravings in her work, and the most famous painting was of a woman and a self-portrait.

Aurelius

Aurelius was known to be a painter of famous Roman figures. He was famous for painting the faces of the women he loved in the painting of the goddesses.

Publius Aelius Forunatues

Publius Aelius Forunatues was a formerly enslaved person who became a painter, and his past life was the biggest inspiration in his paintings and made him quite popular in Rome.

The Malibu Painter

The Malibu Painter's identity is still a mystery, and most of his works were inspired by mummy portraits in circulation in Roman-occupied Egypt.

Conclusion

Roman Art has an interesting history as it developed through the ages. Various rulers also influenced it at different times. The Romans were heavily influenced by different art styles, incorporated the best from all the styles, and made impeccable Art that is still marveled at in museums and art galleries.

FAQs

Q1. What is the importance of Verism?

Ans. Verism was known as the Art of making bronze sculptures that depicted real faces like a portrait, and it was famous in the Roman Republic. Its unique style influenced Roman art for several centuries.

Q2. What does Iaia’s popularity imply?

Ans. Iaia was a female painter known for her ivory engravings in her painting, and she was more famous than most of her male counterparts. Her popularity implies that Roman art did distinguish between male and female. As a result, the Romans’ creations are so unique.

Q3. Do you think the Romans were modern?

Ans. The Romans elected representatives who ran the Roman Republic that they chose, and they communicated all their needs and requirements in the Senate. This is proof that they were advanced in terms of thinking.