Roman Art and Architecture

Roman Art and Architecture of Classical Antiquity is, of course, classical.


Major themes in architecture are simplicity (a lack of ornateness), strength, and endurance.  Greek and Roman columns and arches are common symbols in Neoclassical art and architecture. 

Maison Carrée, (Roman temple), Nimes, France, 2 A.D.

Greek bust of Socrates

Roman sculpture, unlike Greek sculpture, is idealistic instead of realistic.  For instance, a Greek bust of Socrates shows how ugly Socrates was (he had a pug nose), but everyone in Roman sculptures is beautiful.  Neoclassical art leans heavily towards the Roman idealization of the "perfected man."

The perfected man of Rome was physically handsome and fit.  He was also intelligent, rational, calm (often a Stoic), poised, confident, courageous, virtuous (ethical, a good man) and civic minded (a good citizen) or even a civil leader.  

Emperor Augustus Caesar (63 B.C. - 14 A.D)

Emperor Marcus Aurelius, 121 - 181 A.D.  Roman Stoic philosopher