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RE: Maggie May
Oh yes, the architecture is definitely influenced. Similar techniques are interesting historically as it shows how Christianity developed it’s own unique style by at first borrowing from it’s surrounding cultures. But I suppose all cultures revolve and borrow from each other!I think of the statue of Christ holding the lamb– before it, it was a sign of paganism or was related to other religions or cultures. But now, the lamb is almost always associated with Christianity, as they likened Christ to a sacrificial lamb. There is also Saint Lawrence in the Oratory of Galla Placida, patron saint of chefs, who is wearing sandals and a toga meaning he is a citizen of Rome. This is using well-known Roman culture to further the narrative of Christianity (very clever, at that). Lastly, the depictions of a bearded Jesus are intended to liken him to Greek philosophers to imply his wisdom. Such depictions are still used today, and such hairstyles are very easily associated with Christ.
RE: Bob Hook
That tactic of using other leaders that inspired him is a very smart move– it shows that he wants to be equated with their rule, inspiration, and strength which may help appeal to the masses. I don’t think it’s out of line to say that Constantine knew what he was doing in reference to his propaganda. It sure did make an impact on history, after all.RE: Miranda Johansson
Oh, very interesting that you pointed out their use of persuasion over use of force. I didn’t think of it that way. It seems that it worked, for the most part, rather than inciting fear by use of propaganda, leaders wanted to inspire and glorify themselves by likening themselves to the deities. It’s an interesting tactic that I daresay still survives to this day– our leaders will appeal to us by their religious beliefs. Great response.In Roman art, we see Augustus idealized and deified to glorify his reign and existence, such as the Cupid on his side riding a dolphin. The use of propaganda was to “unite’ and inspire Rome and help them believe that the leaders are strong and endorsed by the Gods. This is similar to what we see in Egyptian art and Greek art– leaders equated or blessed by a God to legitimize their reign. Even on the Palette of Narmer we see similarities to Augustus’s chest plate– representation of the lands meant to unite and put it into the viewers mind that it’s good for the society.Often in roman art and architecture, we will have leaders surrounded by different gods or goddesses and some sort of personification of the lands to help push this narrative that they are good and strong rulers. Constantine had a pretty propaganda-ful reign as he brought Christianity to Rome.
RE: mbsimington
Ah yes, Latin! It piques so much curiosity out of me that it’s technically a dead language but it has relevance in nearly everything we do, science, medicine, music, and so much more like you said. Regardless of how we feel about Christianity, we can be grateful for it for preserving Roman culture so well– like through the prayers and medicine developed through Christianity, not to mention the preservation of roman buildings and art.RE: Bob Hook
I am glad you pointed out the concrete– I had forgotten to do so. That is an extremely important contribution of Roman culture to modern culture, and we still use it every day, all over the world! I wonder if they knew such creations would outlast 2000 years. As with the Colosseum, it’s fascinating when we realize how modern society’s “skeleton’ lies within Roman culture.Roman society still bears prominence in modern society through it’s structure, and even names of government, such as senators and republicans. Government buildings are inspired by roman architecture taking a look at the columns and the shape of the buildings. Even modern houses have been inspired by roman architecture, such as those built on plantations in the south. Stadiums are erected all the time to host sporting events which reflect that of the Colosseum, and tickets are given out like the pottery shards which help keep the stadium organized. Roman culture itself has a hand in creating the english language and all latin-based languages we have today. It’s interesting how much of an impact a culture from so long ago has on our society still.
RE: Aalieyah Creach
Ooh, very interpretive about the man’s bare feet. I think it also shows humility, since the woman has shoes on and he doesn’t. It’s quite comforting to see such intimacy and love in ancient culture.RE: Valene
I love how much of an impression the sarcophagus of the spouses made on everyone. It’s really touching and quite beautiful. I agree that the female sculptures we have seen in other cultures are far and few in between, and seeing something like this depicted is refreshing.In Etruscan society, we see women enjoying a higher, more equal position than that of the previous cultures we have studied. Greek and Romans weren’t often depicted in such intimate relaxed poses such as the Etruscan sarcophagi (Both the Cerveteri and Larth Tetnies & Thanchvil Tarnai) with their female counterparts. To display such intimacy shows us that the women were seen equal enough to be displayed without making them lesser than the men; which we have seen in Egyptian artworks and greek artworks. It’s actually quite lovely to see this shift in paradigm. It’s funny yet not at all surprising that Latin society found this display inappropriate and offensive.
RE: Tmbergan
Exactly! They lowered the pedestal of the Gods to more relatable human ways such as playfulness or agony. This makes the gods more relatable and more human, which I think serves the purpose of humanism.RE: Miranda Jackovich
Oh, that is true that the art became more specialized. I didn’t think of it that way. But in the end I agree. The high complexity of emotions displayed in Hellenistic art can show us the pros of the period more so than the cons.I can see how people would view the Hellenistic art as a regression of greek humanist values– although the bodies depicted are more organic and varied than the periods before, they are still idealized and portrayed to show the beauty the human body. I think it is a progression myself, because of that variation of depicting babies as well as elders. It shows different aspects of humanity, young age to old age, fear/agony and solitude. I think it is more realistic, even if the bodies that are not children/old are idealized. Humanism focuses on the rationality of humans instead of likening themselves as perfect deities, and in a way the Hellenistic period supports this ideals, lowering the likeness of the gods to human forms. The complexity of it is the most engaging part.
RE: Maggie May
Yes, it’s less consistent than that of the classical period. I really like the statue of the old woman, it’s so unique and different than what we are used to when we think of greek and roman art. I think it would be great of modern society took a page out of this book and saw the beauty in old age, or any other flaws for that matter!
