This course aims to present a survey of Roman
art in its archaeological, historical, cultural
and social context. Rather than a simple
presentation of aesthetically pleasing art
objects, the course questions and
scrutinizes the peculiar visual language created
and conveyed by images. The following
questions are discussed: What do we mean
by Roman art and what artistic media does
it include? How does it relate to Greek
art? How did the Romans express power and
political agenda through art? How did they
express pleasure or self-image? While
the presentation of the material is chronological
for better understanding, the approach is
contextual and thematic. Particular attention is
paid to the understanding of the different
media, which comprise portrait and relief
sculpture, sarcophagi, wall painting, mosaics,
and minor arts, such as gems. Students are
expected to learn the basics of Roman
art and take the first steps in questioning
its historical value.
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