Chapter10G

CHAPTER 10 -- THE ROMAN EMPIRE

1. Read the Chapter.

Begin with an exploration of the Roman emperors in "A Visual Compendium of Roman Emperors" offering portraits in various materials. Next, learn about Hannibal , who challenged the Roman Empire! Read Vitruvius' Book VII on Roman wall painting.

2. Vocabulary and terminology.

ATRIUM, ROUND ARCH, BARREL VAULT, BASILICA, CONCRETE, FORUM, STILL LIFE PAINTING, ATMOSPHERIC PERSPECTIVE, TONDO, CLERESTORY, ROTUNDA, OCULUS, FORESHORTENING, TROMPE L'OEIL

3. Key items to know:

       a. See the inset on page 239 entitled "An Outline of Roman History."
       b. What important developments in architecture, structure, and building materials were essential to Roman town planning and imperial expansion? See pages 239-241.
       c. What are some of the characteristics of Roman portrait sculpture? Why is this type of portrait likeness not seen in other cultures up to this time period? See pages 242-243.
       d. Describe the four styles of Roman wall painting. See pages 248-253. View the Metropolitan Museum of Art's site on Roman wall painting.
       e. The book states, in reference to the statue of the Tetrarchs, "...the human figure was once again conceived in iconic terms." What does this mean? See page 281.
        f. In what ways -- and why -- is Constantinian art different from the earlier Roman periods? See pages 282-286

4. Art from text to remember:

a. Dionysiac mystery frieze, Second Style wall painting, Page 249.
b. Still life with peaches, detail of a Fourth Style wall painting, Page 253.
c. Portrait of Augustus as general, from Primaporta, Italy, Page 254.
d. Procession of the imperial family, from the Ara Pacis Augustae, Rome, Page 257.
e. Column of Trajan, Page 265. View a detail of the Column of Trajan.
f. Portrait bust of Hadrian, Page 267. Also see the image of Hadrian above.
g. Pantheon, Rome, Italy, See page 267.
h. Mummy Portrait of a priest of Serapis, from Faiyum, Egypt. See page 275.
i Portrait of Caracalla, Page 276.
j. Portraits of the four tetrarchs, Page 281.
k. Portrait of Constantine, Page 284.

5. Visit and explore the following:

        a. Tour the Yale University Art Gallery.
        b. Explore the fine art of Roman wall painting.
        c. Visit the ruins of Pompeii.
        d. Get "up close and personal" with Roman sculpture in Campidoglio!

6. Write a chapter report.

INTERNET STUDENTS: Submit the report by Wednesday. For extra credit -- find a Cameo Portrait of the Emperor Augustus and The Portland Vase, c. 25 bce and send that information to me only in a separate email. (Please note: summer session see the summer schedule for report due dates).

7. INTERNET STUDENTS: Respond to someone else's report or comments.

Post to the LISTSERV by Friday. (Please note: summer session students see the summer schedule for due date).

Page Updated 9/15/09

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