Roman Sculpture and Reliefs

This video takes students through the progression of changes in Roman art examining how sculptures changed.


The video provides a detailed exploration of Roman art, particularly focusing on sculptures and reliefs. It begins by acknowledging the vastness and diversity of Roman art, influenced by the Etruscans, Egyptians, and Greeks. The video then delves into the unique aspects of Roman art, such as the emphasis on portraiture and the concept of 'verism', which prioritized the communication of a message over physical accuracy. The video discusses how this approach changed with the rise of Augustus, who used art as political propaganda, incorporating Greek idealization into Roman portraiture. The video also covers the shift in artistic conventions during the period of the Tetrarchs and the reign of Constantine the Great, where the art became more abstract and stylized. The video concludes by noting that Romans also commissioned copies of Greek art as a status symbol, preserving many Greek pieces that would have otherwise been lost. The presenter expresses her admiration for Roman sculpture for its reflection of the changes in Rome throughout different periods.

Jordan Harvey @ YouTube
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