Lecture Notes: Art and Architecture of the Greeks and Romans

The Parthenon and Early Greek Sculpture

• Parthenon: Built for goddess Athena; originally housed her sculpture.
• Purpose: Not for communal worship, but for priests to recognize gods.
• East Pediment of Parthenon: Features three goddesses, some sculptures part of the Elgin Marbles (located in Britain).

Art Movements

• Definition: Group of artists in the same place/time, creating similar works (subjects, concepts, aesthetics).
• Comparison: Different from culture and period (e.g., Classical period includes both Greeks and Romans).
• First Art Movement: Hellenistic period (part of the Classical period).

Hellenistic Period

• Characteristics: Focus on movement in sculpture; fabric draping highlights the human body.
• Notable Works:
  • Aphrodite of Melos (Venus de Milo): Movement shown through contrapposto and fabric draping.
  • Leo Kun Group: Movement and emotion in sculpture; shows the story of a priest and his son being killed by serpents.
  • Techniques: Transition from Greek bronze to Roman marble, showing detailed study of human anatomy.

Roman Empire and Engineering

• Expansion: Roman Empire spread throughout the Mediterranean, influencing art and architecture.
• Engineering Contributions:
  • Aqueducts: Pont du Gard in Nimes, France.
  • Sewer Systems: Basis for modern city infrastructure.
  • Architecture: Use of rounded arches, domes (e.g., Pantheon with oculus).

Notable Roman Architecture

• Pantheon: Roman temple with a large dome and oculus (eye of the gods).
• Colosseum:
  • Structure: Built with three-part system using Greek orders; underground catacombs for gladiators.
  • Uses: Initially for athletic events, later for gladiatorial combat under Emperor Nero.
  • Engineering Feats: Ability to flood arena for naval battles, advanced elevator systems.

Transition from Greeks to Romans

• Greeks: Focused on discovery, science, and understanding the human body through art.
• Romans: Adopted Greek ideas, added engineering advancements; spread culture and architecture throughout their empire.

Key Takeaways

• Influence: Greek art and culture heavily influenced Roman art and engineering.
• Innovation: Romans introduced significant architectural and engineering innovations, many of which are foundational to modern infrastructure.