Roman art

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Sculpture and painting of ancient Rome, from the 4th century BC to the fall of the Western Empire in the 5th century AD. Much Roman art was intended for public education, notably the sculpted triumphal arches and giant columns, such as Trajan's Column AD 106–113, and portrait sculptures of soldiers, politicians, and emperors. Surviving mural paintings (in Pompeii, Rome, and Ostia) and mosaic decorations show Greek influence. Roman art was to prove of lasting inspiration in the West.

Sculpture
Realistic portrait sculpture was developed by the Romans. A cult of heroes began and in public places official statues were erected of generals, rulers, and philosophers. The portrait bust developed as a new art form from about 75 BC; these were serious, factual portraits of men to whose wisdom and authority (the busts implied) their subject nations should reasonably submit. Strict realism in portraiture gave way to a certain amount of Greek-style idealization in the propaganda statues of the emperors, befitting their semidivine status.

Narrative relief sculpture also flourished in Rome, linked to the need to commemorate military victories. These appeared on monumental altars, triumphal arches, and giant columns such as Trajan's Column, where his battles are recorded in relief like a cartoon strip winding its way around the column for about 200 m/655 ft. Gods and allegorical figures also featured with Rome's heroes on narrative relief sculptures, such as those on Augustus' giant altar to peace, the Ara Pacis 13–9 BC.

Painting
Very little Roman painting has survived; much of what has owes its survival to the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 which buried the southern Italian towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum under ash, thus preserving the lively wall paintings that decorated the villas of an art-loving elite. Trompe l'oeil paintings and elements of still life were popular. A type of interior decoration known as Grotesque, rediscovered in Rome during the Renaissance, combined swirling plant motifs, strange animals, and tiny fanciful scenes.

Mosaic
The art of mosaic was found throughout the Roman Empire. It was introduced from Greece and used for floors as well as walls and vaults, in trompe l'oeil effects, geometric patterns, and scenes from daily life and mythology.

The national colours are taken from the Rusyn arms of 1848. Effective date: 28 January 1992. >>