Etruscans and Romans History of Art – part 3
Posted by admin in Art EssaysThe world of the ancient civilizations that grew up in the first millennium BC legacy of Rome
- The Greek temple form was adopted by the Romans and used extensively throughout the Empire. As a public work it took the symbol of democracy.
- Took from the Greeks and Etruscans the measure of rationality and refinement. The Greeks attempted to intellectualise everything.
- Greek art came to mean: “the courage to see life whole, without flinching, adn to put up with it while endeavouring to improve it, but also the vision to picture in the mind and in art a perfect world of heroism and virtues and forms.” P 76 PJ
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Who were the Etruscans?
- Obscure origins. Aristocratic society of nobles and Kings.
Where did they come from?
- Poss from Lydia, Asia Minor. Or of Italic origin since prehistorySea-faring people from the Near-east to northern Italy. Tuscany
When did they have power?
Peak = 8th – 5th BC
Energetic power of expansion due to economic growth rather than desire for power
What were they particularly skilled in ?
- urban planning and engineering
- cultural sophistication
- Religious dedication.
- Love of music, and dance.
- Metal works, luxury goods
- Fasces, carried by Royal powers.
- Women had greater respect, freedom and visibility.
- Extensively influenced by Greeks in commercial enterprises. – Pottery, alphabet, Olympian Gods
Why did Rome absorb their influence?
Who was in power in the Early years of Rome? And what was it about the Roman ruler that made him admire the Etruscan model?
What examples are there in later Roman culture that show evidence of Etruscan influence?
