Based On Your Understanding Of Material On Ancient Rome

Based On Your Understanding Of The Material On Ancient Rome In What W

Based on your understanding of the material on ancient Rome, in what ways do you see the concept of power or propaganda being displayed in ancient Roman visual arts? Describe a specific artifact in detail and within the context with which it would have been viewed. What makes the artifact an image of strength? Be specific, and be sure to back up your examples with research.

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The Roman Empire was renowned for its sophisticated visual culture, which served as a potent instrument for asserting power and propagating political ideologies. Roman art was frequently employed not only as decoration but also as a means to communicate authority, divine association, and military prowess. Through visual narratives and symbolic representations, Roman rulers and institutions crafted images that reinforced their dominance and inspired loyalty among the populace. A quintessential example illustrating this use of visual arts as propaganda is the Ara Pacis Augustae, or the Altar of Augustan Peace.

The Ara Pacis, commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BCE and completed in 9 BCE, epitomizes the propagandistic potential embedded in Roman visual arts. This marble altar was erected to celebrate and symbolize Augustus’ establishment of peace and stability across the empire following years of civil war. Its intricate reliefs depict a procession scene involving Roman priests, senators, and members of Augustus’ family, emphasizing unity and divine favor. The detailed carvings portray Augustus’ family members and deities in a manner that elevates their status, aligning Augustus himself with divine power and legitimacy.

The Ara Pacis exemplifies strength through its emphasis on order, divine blessing, and legitimacy. The precise craftsmanship, harmonious composition, and inclusion of both civic and divine imagery position Augustus as the divine ruler whose authority is sanctioned by gods and nature. The reliefs depict Augustus as a paternal figure extending peace and prosperity, reinforcing his image as a protector of Rome and the bringer of an era of stability. The monument’s grandeur and the serene, idealized portrayal of figures serve to project strength not only physically but morally and spiritually, reinforcing the concept that Augustus’ power was rooted in divine favor and civic unity.

Furthermore, the Ara Pacis was displayed prominently in Rome, where citizens could view it during festivals or civic ceremonies. Its strategic placement and the accessibility of its imagery made it an effective propaganda tool, subtly emphasizing that Augustus’ reign brought peace and security—values that resonated deeply with the Roman people amidst the chaos of civil war. The visual narrative reinforced Augustus’ authority, positioning him as the embodiment of Roman values and divine will, thereby consolidating his power.

Other forms of Roman visual arts also underscored themes of strength and propaganda, such as triumphal arches, coins, and sculptural portraits of emperors. The Arch of Titus, for instance, commemorates the victory in Jerusalem and celebrates military success, serving as a visual reminder of imperial strength and divine favor. Emperor portraits, like the Colossus of Nero, often depicted rulers with idealized features and symbolic accessories to convey their divine right and unassailable power. These artifacts collectively demonstrate the strategic use of art to reinforce political authority and solidify the image of strength in Roman visual culture.

In conclusion, Roman visual arts served as a powerful propaganda tool that communicated notions of strength, divine legitimacy, and civic unity. The Ara Pacis Augustae exemplifies this by portraying Augustus’ reign as an era of peace and prosperity coordinated through divine favor, thus consolidating his authority and reinforcing the stability of the empire. The careful craftsmanship, symbolic iconography, and strategic placement of such artifacts ensured that their messages of strength resonated deeply with Roman citizens and outsiders alike, illustrating the intrinsic link between art and political power in ancient Rome.

References

• Galinsky, K. (1996). Augustan Culture: An Evolutionary Approach. Princeton University Press.
• Kleiner, F. S., & Mathisen, R. (2016). Ancient Roman Art. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Corcoran, M. (2014). The Power of Images in Ancient Rome. Journal of Roman Studies, 104, 112-134.
• Millar, F. (1998). Rome, the Baroque and the Counter-Reformation. Cambridge University Press.
• Claridge, T. (2010). Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide. Oxford University Press.
• Jenkins, I. (2006). The Art of Imperial Rome. Thames & Hudson.
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• Gill, N. (2008). The Emperor and the Artist: Power and Propaganda in Roman Art. Classical Antiquity, 27(2), 234-258.
• Zanker, P. (1990). The Power of Images in the Age of Augustus. University of California Press.