How was Roman art and culture influenced by the Greeks?

Posted: November 28th, 2013

Outline

• Roman handicraft development
• Transformation of Roman architecture
• Transformation of Roman sculptures to masterpieces
• Precision and beauty of Roman paintings
• Transformation of Roman portraits

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How was Roman art and culture influenced by the Greeks?

The Greeks influence on Roman art and culture is historical and highly admirable. The sensational prowess displayed in their artistic culture captures various artistic components that are still used even presently. Romans were good artists and became even better after the conquest by the Greek. Five major aspects played a huge role in the transformation of Roman’s art and culture. Roman handicraft bearing Greek models was amongst the first that caused a stir in the transformation of cultural artifacts. Production was mainly by clay and silver. Designs on these products were decorated with varied patterns to bring out the beauty aspect. The materials that were originally used in the decorations were the vegetal convex and the allegorical patterns. These decorations were imprinted in their molding vessels and various objects were created depending on the artisan.

Precision and beauty of Greek paintings also influenced the Roman culture. Cultural and regional variations resulted into a differing vast range of paintings and styles. Romans used paintings mainly for decorating tombs and palaces as backdrops towards demised heroes and historical culture. With the Greek influence, paintings expanded to include household art displayed the vastness and beauty of landscapes scenes exploited from myth and varied literal sources. The Roman architectural transformation emanated from the Hellenistic Etruscan architectural prowess. The Romans made much use of their innovations and technology as well as that established by the Greeks to strengthen their structures.

The development of cement from lime and volcano ashes allowed the Romans to master the technique of mixing mortar and plaster. This inherently made their architectural structures stronger and diverse in nature. The roads and temples that were designed endured varied weather patterns that were largely unpredictable. However, the onset of Roman grandeur and imperialism during this period made their art much greater than that of their Greek counterparts. Roman towns were built with great walls and watchtowers to protect the town from attacks resulting in enhanced structure creations being raised since they had mastered diverse architectural art.

Later, Roman carvings were highly transformed by the Greeks, as noted in sculpture making. When the Greeks conquered the Romans, the latter had to master their techniques by making replicas of Greek sculptures, following the established styles. The replicas made reflected their originals in a more true sense often imitating most of their prevalent figures. Materials used for the carvings were either bronze or marble and the final products were used for the decoration of interior spaces in various structures. With the prestige noted in the given period following the precision imparted by the Greek, only emperors were able to afford the given art forms. Roman sculptural art differed that evidenced by the Greeks in that it often depicted standards that were more humane and emotional in nature.

The last art influence involved a transitional aspect notably in the creation of portraits. This comprised of two groups of portrait designs that were made in bronze and stone. Portraits following the bronze make depicted figures that were put in honor and remembrance of great individuals within the Greek rule as a means of meriting the fact that their contributions within the kingdom were most significant. The second types of portraits were made of stone to depict historic and legendary people who had executed significant duties. The bronze portraits were idealized largely while those created with stones changed with time. As opposed to Greeks, Romans had not attached any form of symbolism in art materials until it was introduced within the given period.