Contextualization

Theoretical Introduction

Art has always been a reflection of society and its values. In the case of Ancient Rome, art was not only admired for its beauty but also served as a means of communication, education, and propaganda. Ancient Roman art spans a vast period of time, from the early Etruscan influences to the vibrant and realistic sculptures of the Classical period, and finally, to the more abstract and symbolic art of the Late Empire.

Roman art was heavily influenced by the Greeks, especially in terms of sculpture, where the Romans borrowed the concept of idealized human forms. However, they developed a distinct style, characterized by their desire to depict realistic, everyday life, and their use of intricate details. Mosaics and frescoes became popular mediums for art, adorning the walls and floors of homes, palaces, and public buildings with vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

Roman art also served a practical purpose; it was used to honor the gods, commemorate important events, and glorify the Emperor and the empire. The Romans were masters of engineering and architecture, as evidenced by their grand structures like the Colosseum and the Pantheon. These buildings were not just functional but also served as symbols of Roman power and ingenuity.

Importance of the Topic

Studying Ancient Roman art is not just about understanding a bygone civilization, but it also allows us to understand ourselves better. The Romans were pioneers in many aspects of art and culture, and their influence can still be felt in our society today. For instance, the concept of a domed building, which was perfected by the Romans, can be seen in many modern structures like stadiums and theaters.

Furthermore, the study of Ancient Roman art provides us with a glimpse into their society, their values, and their way of life. The realistic depiction of everyday scenes in Roman art gives us an insight into their economy, social hierarchy, and even fashion trends. It also helps us understand how they perceived themselves and how they wanted to be perceived by others.

Reliable Sources

To support your research and deepen your understanding of Ancient Rome Art, the following resources are highly recommended:

1. Metropolitan Museum of Art - Roman Art
2. Khan Academy - Roman Art
3. The British Museum - Roman Art and Culture
4. BBC - Ancient Rome
5. ROMA - The Society of the Roman Empire

By exploring these resources, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of Ancient Roman art and its significance in the context of their society and ours.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Recreating Ancient Rome: An Artistic Journey"

Objective of the Project:

The main objective of this project is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Ancient Roman art and its relevance to Roman society. Students will gain hands-on experience in creating various art forms that were prevalent during the Roman era, such as mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures. They will also delve into the historical and cultural context of these art forms and their significance.

Detailed Description of the Project:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 and each group will be responsible for creating a "miniature Ancient Roman city." This city will consist of a mosaic floor, frescoed walls, and a sculpture. Each element will reflect specific themes or events from Roman society, such as gladiator games, Roman gods, or daily life scenes. The project will require research, planning, and execution, allowing students to apply their knowledge of Ancient Rome art in a creative and engaging way.

Necessary Materials:

• Large poster board or foam board for the base of the city
• Colored construction paper for the mosaic and fresco
• Paints and brushes for the fresco
• Clay for the sculpture
• Craft tools (scissors, glue, etc.)
• Internet access for research
• Books or printouts for additional reference

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Research Phase (2 hours): Each group should start by researching different themes or events from Roman society and selecting one for their project. They should also gather information about the chosen theme, the art forms that were commonly used to depict it, and its significance in Roman society.

2. Planning Phase (1 hour): Based on their research, each group should sketch a rough layout of their city, indicating where the mosaic, fresco, and sculpture will be placed. They should also make a list of materials they will need for each element.

3. Preparation Phase (1 hour): Once the planning is complete, groups can start gathering their materials and preparing them for use.

4. Execution Phase (3 hours): Groups will begin by creating the mosaic. They should cut small colored paper tiles and arrange them on the poster board in a pattern. Next, they will create the fresco. Using the sketch as a guide, they should paint a scene or pattern on the construction paper and glue it to the wall of the city. Finally, they will sculpt a small figure or object from clay, which will be placed in an appropriate location in the city.

5. Reflection and Report Writing (2 hours): After the city is complete, each group should write a report detailing their research, planning, execution, and reflection.

Project Deliverables:

1. A "miniature Ancient Roman city" consisting of a mosaic floor, frescoed walls, and a sculpture.

2. A detailed report (approximately 1500 words) divided into four main sections:

   Introduction: The chosen theme and its significance in Roman society. The objective of the project and the methodology used.

   Development: The theory behind the chosen theme, including its historical and cultural context. An explanation of the creation of the mosaic, fresco, and sculpture, and how they reflect the chosen theme. A discussion of the group's research, planning, and execution process, including any challenges they faced and how they overcame them.

   Conclusion: A summary of the main points of the project, the learnings obtained, and the group's understanding of the chosen theme and its representation in Ancient Roman art.

   Bibliography: A list of all the sources used for the research. This could include books, web pages, videos, etc.

The report should complement the practical part of the project, highlighting the students' understanding of Ancient Roman art and its relevance in Roman society. It should also reflect on their teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills during the project. The report should be submitted along with the completed miniature city. The written work and the practical project should complement and reinforce each other.