Survey of Roman Art

3 units

Ben Hur? I Claudius? Caligula? You know their stories, now learn about the art of their times! This lecture class will focus on the course of Roman art from the period of the Roman Kings (8th C. B.C.) through the Republican Period to the reign of Constantine (4th C. A.D.). We will look at developments in sculpture, wall painting, mosaics and architecture and how they relate to the culture and dynamic politics of this period. Along with the arts of the capital, Rome, we will examine a few of the provincial imperial cities to see how local tastes transform Roman style. Special class themes will include the Image of Republican Rome and Romans, the arts under Augustus, Life and Death of Pompeii, The Rise of the Empire, Games, The Fall of the Empire, and Constantine's Hope.