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For the most part, Jewish and Christian art depicted God or were religious in nature, generally scenes from stories from the old testament of the Bible. Not just their physical art, but their music, writing, and poetry as well. Their entire culture was seeped in religion, to the point where almost every aspect of daily life had a religious element. However, I don’t believe Jewish and Christian art really circumvented this commandment at all; many depictions of Saints and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were later worshiped by the Catholic faith. In addition to the art created after biblical times, the Bible speaks of many “graven images’ forged by the Jews. All this to say, I think this law was followed about as well as modern traffic laws. Much of the pagan worship during the Old Testament times looked like praying to a statue, which is most likely why this art form is somewhat excluded.
LOVE your insight about people in power being the ones who shape how the world is seen! It’s scary to think how much of history has been recorded wrong or how different groups have been misrepresented simply because they stood against the winning side. I’m sure this holds true in Roman society as well. In the story of Cesar’s assassination, it is always made to seem like a huge betrayal, but what if it was a necessary evil? I guess we’ll never truly know who is in the right and who is in the wrong in the end.
I like your example of the statue of Augustus of Primaporta, but can you think of another? Or perhaps and architectural one?
The sculpture of Augustus of Primaporta is a prime example of art being used as propaganda. His breast plate showed his war experience while the scene depicted on it was one of diplomacy. This showed he was not just a strong ruler, but also a wise and just one. The infant god riding a dolphin showed he claimed divine blood. As for the architecture, much like the pharaohs of Egypt the emperors of Rome built beautiful temples and other structures to show the splendor of not only Rome, but of their rule. Also, the building of the colosseum as well as other leisure building served to distract citizens from the corruption of politicians and to deter them from rising up and overthrowing the government.
That’s so cool about the numbers on pottery shards as tickets! I must’ve missed that one. Crazy to think ancient societies functioned much the same as ours, just without all the technology and complication. I’m sure many of the same problems and drama existed back then. It would be so fun to go back and see it firsthand….and then come back to my smartphone!
Aubri,
I love your point about how sports are glorified in our culture much the same way as that of the Romans. I also liked your example of the Roman’s road system. I’d meant to include that point in my response.
Much of Roman culture was used to create the modern world we see today in many European-originating first world nations. The architecture can be seen in many of our professional and governmental buildings, much a parallel since much of our government and political system is based on theirs. Even their language, Latin, is the common base of most European languages. Society is still enthralled with Roman mythology and the gladiators in the Colosseum. Major motion pictures and fantasy books have been based on Roman society.
I agree that the sculpture of the She Wolf is significant. Not only is she fearsomely beautiful, she is a female authority figure and that is important; the “mother” to the founders of Rome.
Aubri, I like how you mentioned that the depictions of women seemed to make them seem equal to their husbands. There does seem to be not only more love and emotion portrayed, but also a certain friendship between spouses in Etruscan art.
Women seem to take a much more powerful role in Etruscan art. The sculpture of the She Wolf is a powerful female figure, suckling Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. The Cerveteri Sarcophagus depicts a husband and wife enjoying each other’s company casually. This was considered inappropriate by the Greeks and Lantin. The Sarcophagus of Larth Tetnies and Thanchvil Tarnaicerveteri Sarcophagus also depict women in a more powerful and human sense, unheard of before this point.
I like how you gave examples of both sides. In a way I think you are right that it could go either way; Progression or Regression. I think depending on what you value not just in art, but also in life will affect which way you lean towards.
I agree. Beauty is not just found in perfection, sometimes imperfection holds a kind of beauty perfection can never attain. I also agree that people do tend to preserve the things they value and life, in all its forms, is certainly worth preserving.
I can see how Hellenistic period art could be seen as a regression given the move from “human ideal’ to a deeper portrayal of human existence. I think it all depends on your perspective of the world and your definition of beauty. I think the Hellenistic art is a progression of Greek art because it moved from being based only on outward, physical beauty to deep human emotion. Personally, when it comes to art I find the most moving and soulful pieces are those that depict pain; whether it be a song, a photo, or a sculpture. This definitely holds true when viewing art from the Hellenistic period.
Gabe, I feel the same! I find the emotion and humanness of Hellenistic art far more moving and appealing.
