The art of Ancient Rome is a great creative legacy for many generations of descendants

The art of Ancient Rome includes an enormous amount of works of various forms of artistic creativity, dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. Masterpieces created by skillful artists of that era continue to inspire millions of people to this day. Notably, Ancient Roman art has been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists of various historical periods, genres, and styles for many centuries.

Art of Ancient Rome. Fragment of a gilded glass medallion, 3rd century AD.

Art in Ancient Rome not only played an important aesthetic role in people's lives but was also widely used by the wealthy elite to emphasize their high status. The palaces of the Roman elite during that period were adorned with sculptures, frescoes, and various decorations, while luxurious jewelry was consistently present in the attire of the nobility.

Art of Ancient Rome. Alexander's mosaic depicting the Battle of Issus, 1st century BC.

Characteristics of Ancient Roman art

The art in Ancient Rome did not arise in isolation. On the contrary, it absorbed the achievements of neighboring cultural civilizations, mainly Greek and Etruscan. The unique contribution of the Romans lies in preserving existing forms of art for future generations and enriching them with their own masterpieces, thus making art more accessible to broader segments of the population.

Art of Ancient Rome. Bust of Emperor Septimius Severus, early 3rd century AD.

Although Rome was founded as early as the 8th century BCE, it remained a small town for many centuries, with art developing at a slow pace. However, by the mid-3rd century BCE, the Romans had conquered the Italian Peninsula, defeated Carthage in the Punic Wars, and gradually established dominion over almost the entire Mediterranean.

Art of Ancient Rome. The Great Cameo of France, 1st century AD.

The active expansionist policy led to Rome becoming the largest center of political, social, and cultural life in the Mediterranean region. The wealthiest people lived here, leading lavish lives and generously compensating artists for their work. As a result, the best artists from various corners of the republic and later the empire flocked to Rome and gradually assimilated into the local society.

Art of Ancient Rome. Roman mosaic on the wall of the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, 1st century AD.

It was the Greek artists who introduced the Romans to the achievements in painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts; their works remained ideals of perfection for local masters for a long time. Over many centuries, the Romans not only copied the best works of the ancient Greeks but also created their own masterpieces. Thus, over seven centuries, a unique Ancient Roman art was formed, which later became the fundamental basis for the emergence of the grand era of the Renaissance in world culture.

Art of Ancient Rome. Relief of the Altar of Peace, 1st century BC.

Main types of Ancient Roman art

The artists of the Roman era left a multitude of unique examples of artistic creativity to their descendants. Among them, we can rightfully include the skillful works of jewelers, glassblowers, and metalworkers. Nevertheless, the main forms of Ancient Roman art include:

• Architecture.
• Sculpture.
• Painting.
• Mosaics.

Art of Ancient Rome. Pantheon - Temple of All Gods, early 2nd century AD.

The architects undoubtedly made the greatest contribution to the development of world culture among the ancient Roman artists. It was in this field that the Romans showed themselves as bold innovators and achieved astounding results.

Art of Ancient Rome. Aqueduct of Segovia, late 1st century AD.

Among the main achievements of the architects of that time, the following inventions can be highlighted:

• The groin vault.
• Semi-circular arches without connecting mortar.
• The dome (vaulted ceiling).

Art of Ancient Rome. Colosseum - Flavian Amphitheatre, late 1st century AD.

The Romans significantly improved the architectural achievements of their Greek counterparts, which led to the grand construction of various buildings and structures over vast territories. In addition to luxurious temples and palaces, Roman architects created numerous public buildings:

• Baths (Thermae).
• Aqueducts.
• Forums.
• Sewage systems.
• Archives (Tabularia).
• Basilicas (meeting places for the elite).
• Theaters and amphitheaters.

Art of Ancient Rome. Sculptural portrait of Emperor Claudius, 1st century AD.

Many unique examples of Ancient Roman architecture have survived to this day. Among them are the Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum), the Baths of Caracalla, and the Pantheon (Temple of All Gods).

Art of Ancient Rome. Thermae of Caracalla, beginning of the 3rd century AD.

In the field of sculpture, the Romans not only adopted the traditions of creating reliefs and volumetric compositions from the ancient Greeks but also supplemented them with their own artistic innovations. Roman sculptural portraiture is characterized by extraordinary realism, and thousands of works by unknown authors have survived to this day. Most of the sculptures and busts are depictions of real historical personalities made of marble or bronze.

Art of Ancient Rome. Sculpture of Commodus in the costume of Hercules, late 2nd century AD.

Unique developments of ancient Roman sculptors also include triumphal arches and relief columns crowned with statues of emperors. Stone sarcophagi adorned with skillful carvings were commissioned by the most influential people of that time to pay tribute to their deceased relatives.

Art of Ancient Rome. Part of Trajan's Column, early 2nd century AD.

Roman painters significantly expanded the genre diversity of their works compared to their ancient Greek colleagues. In addition to traditional mythological themes, they introduced numerous genre scenes, animalistic compositions, and still-life paintings. Erotic depictions also gained popularity, and artists often glorified the might of the state in paintings dedicated to military triumphs and conquests.

Art of Ancient Rome. Fresco The Wedding of Zephyrus and Chlorida, I century AD.

Unfortunately, very few works of easel painting have survived to this day, and the vast majority of frescoes have only been preserved because they were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash in Pompeii and discovered only in the mid-18th century during excavations.

Art of Ancient Rome. Part of the Arch of Constantine, early 4th century AD.

The art of ancient Roman mosaic has also been almost completely lost to this day. The few surviving samples clearly indicate that the Romans borrowed this art form from the Greeks and used colored pieces of stone and ceramics to create their mosaics. Mosaic images framed with ornaments and geometric patterns were used to decorate not only walls and floors but also ceilings of various buildings. The subjects of the works included both mythological characters and real historical personalities.

Art of Ancient Rome. Fresco from the Villa of the Mysteries, 80 BC.

The influence of Ancient Roman art on the development of world culture is difficult to overestimate. It remains of great interest to scholars and collectors. The masterpieces of that era have been admired for several thousand years, and their value at art auctions is often measured in astronomical sums.