16.4 Art and material culture from the excavations
4 min read•august 1, 2024
and 's art and material culture offer a window into ancient Roman life. From wall paintings to , these artifacts reveal social structures, daily routines, and artistic styles of the time.
Excavations have unearthed a wealth of information about domestic spaces, personal items, and public architecture. These findings help reconstruct the cities' social, economic, and cultural landscape, painting a vivid picture of life before the eruption.
Art and Decoration in Pompeii and Herculaneum
Wall Paintings and Mosaics
Top images from around the web for Wall Paintings and Mosaics
File:Pompeii family feast painting Naples.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Sicily. Villa Imperiale del Casale (Piazza Armerina) Mosai… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Ψηφιδωτά της Πάφου | The House of Aion The mosaics of the Ho… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Pompeii family feast painting Naples.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Sicily. Villa Imperiale del Casale (Piazza Armerina) Mosai… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Wall Paintings and Mosaics
File:Pompeii family feast painting Naples.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Sicily. Villa Imperiale del Casale (Piazza Armerina) Mosai… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Ψηφιδωτά της Πάφου | The House of Aion The mosaics of the Ho… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Pompeii family feast painting Naples.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Sicily. Villa Imperiale del Casale (Piazza Armerina) Mosai… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Wall paintings () adorned private homes and public buildings depicted mythological scenes, , and
- Frescoes served as primary decoration form in both cities
- embellished floors and occasionally walls ranged from simple geometric patterns to intricate pictorial compositions
- Mosaics utilized various materials (stone, glass, precious materials)
Sculptures and Architectural Elements
- , both freestanding and relief, decorated gardens, atria, and public spaces
- Sculptures often represented gods, mythological figures, or prominent citizens
- Decorative architectural elements (columns, friezes, cornices) enhanced building structure and aesthetics
- Architectural elements integrated art into the fabric of buildings
Portable Art and Household Decoration
- Portable art objects (, , painted vases) served functional and decorative purposes in households
- Garden art (fountains, statuary, painted garden scenes) featured prominently in wealthy homes and public spaces
- Household shrines () displayed paintings and small sculptures reflected inhabitants' religious practices
- Lararia provided insights into domestic religious observances and beliefs
Styles and Techniques of Pompeian Art
Wall Painting Styles
- Four Pompeian Styles of wall painting evolved over time
- imitated masonry created illusion of stone blocks
- employed architectural illusion depicted three-dimensional structures
- featured ornate and fantastical designs incorporated delicate, intricate elements
- combined elements from previous styles resulted in eclectic compositions
Fresco and Mosaic Techniques
- Fresco techniques included:
- involved painting on wet plaster allowed pigments to bond with plaster
- applied paint to dry plaster offered more flexibility in execution
- Mosaic techniques encompassed:
- used regular square tesserae created uniform patterns
- employed tiny tesserae enabled detailed, intricate designs
- utilized cut stone pieces produced elaborate geometric compositions
Sculptural Techniques and Themes
- Sculptural techniques included bronze casting, marble carving, and terracotta modeling
- Ancient artisans employed specialized tools and processes for each material
- Recurring themes in Pompeian and Herculanean art:
- (gods, heroes, legends)
- Daily life (domestic scenes, professions)
- (often found in private spaces)
- (food, objects)
- Landscapes (both real and imaginary)
- (emperors, local elites)
- Hellenistic and Roman artistic traditions influenced local styles of Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Artistic styles and social status correlated quality and subject matter of decorations varied in different building types
Graffiti and Inscriptions as Sources
Types and Content of Graffiti
- Graffiti in Pompeii and Herculaneum included:
- Electoral slogans promoted political candidates
- Advertisements announced goods, services, or events
- Personal messages conveyed individual thoughts or feelings
- Literary quotations demonstrated cultural literacy
- Obscene content revealed aspects of ancient humor and sexuality
- Graffiti played a role in political campaigns provided insights into local politics and social networks
- offered evidence of literacy levels and language use among different social classes
Historical and Social Significance
- Graffiti aided in dating events and understanding site chronology
- Inscriptions provided information on professions, trade, and economic activities in ancient cities
- Religious contexts featured graffiti including dedications and prayers found in temples and shrines
- Inscriptions illuminated social hierarchies revealed presence of freedmen and slaves in urban society
Material Culture and Daily Life
Domestic Spaces and Social Indicators
- Arrangement and decoration of domestic spaces indicated:
- Social status reflected wealth and prestige
- Family structure revealed household composition
- Daily routines provided insights into everyday activities
- Religious artifacts and household shrines evidenced personal and public religious practices and beliefs
- Tableware, cooking utensils, and food remains informed understanding of:
- Diet revealed food preferences and availability
- Cooking methods demonstrated culinary techniques
- Dining customs illustrated social conventions
Personal Items and Economic Activities
- Personal adornments and luxury items indicated:
- Fashion trends revealed aesthetic preferences
- Trade networks demonstrated economic connections
- Social aspirations reflected desire for upward mobility
- Tools and workshop remains evidenced:
- Economic activities revealed occupational diversity
- Craftsmanship demonstrated skill levels
- Technological advancements showed innovation in various fields
Public Architecture and Social Reconstruction
- Public architecture and decoration reflected:
- expressed community values
- demonstrated political allegiances
- Local patronage revealed social and economic relationships
- Preservation of organic materials in Herculaneum (wooden furniture, textiles) contributed to understanding of everyday life
- Material culture aided in reconstructing:
- Gender roles revealed social expectations
- Childhood experiences provided insights into family life
- Social relationships illuminated interpersonal dynamics in ancient Roman society
Key Terms to Review (27)
Bronzes: Bronzes refer to various metal artifacts primarily made from an alloy of copper and tin, which were extensively used in ancient cultures for creating tools, weapons, and art. This medium was significant in many civilizations due to its durability and workability, playing a crucial role in the development of material culture from excavations that reveal insights into societal structures, trade, and artistic expression.
Buon fresco: Buon fresco is a painting technique that involves applying water-based pigments onto freshly laid wet plaster. This method allows the colors to become an integral part of the wall as the plaster dries, creating a durable and vibrant image. The technique is significant in understanding ancient art, particularly in terms of its aesthetic qualities and the materials used in artistic expressions.
Civic identity: Civic identity refers to an individual's sense of belonging and connection to a specific community or society, often encompassing shared values, traditions, and practices. It plays a vital role in how people perceive their roles and responsibilities within their community, shaping social cohesion and collective action. In ancient contexts, civic identity was often reflected through art and material culture, showcasing the values and beliefs of a society through public monuments, ceremonial objects, and everyday artifacts.
Daily life: Daily life refers to the routine practices, social interactions, and cultural customs that characterize the everyday existence of individuals in a particular society. It encompasses aspects such as work, leisure, family structures, and religious practices, all of which contribute to a fuller understanding of a community's material culture and artistic expressions, especially as revealed through archaeological excavations.
Erotic scenes: Erotic scenes refer to artistic depictions or narratives that explore themes of love, desire, and sexual relationships, often using sensual imagery to convey intimate moments. These scenes can be found in various forms of ancient art, such as pottery, frescoes, and sculptures, providing insight into the cultural attitudes towards sexuality and intimacy in ancient societies.
First Style: The First Style, also known as the Incrustation Style, is an early Roman decorative style that emerged in the late 2nd century BCE and continued until the late 1st century BCE. It is characterized by the use of painted plaster to imitate expensive materials like marble and stone, creating a sense of richness and elegance in domestic spaces. This style reflects the Roman fascination with wealth and luxury, often showcasing elaborate designs and vibrant colors.
Fourth Style: The Fourth Style is a distinct phase of Roman wall painting that emerged in the late 1st century CE and continued into the 2nd century CE, characterized by a combination of architectural illusionism and ornamental design. It is known for its elaborate and intricate decoration that often features fantastical elements, bright colors, and a focus on creating depth and perspective. This style reflects a shift from the earlier styles by introducing more complexity in the overall composition of wall paintings.
Fresco secco: Fresco secco is a painting technique where pigments mixed with water are applied to dry plaster, allowing for a different aesthetic and durability compared to traditional fresco techniques. This method is often used for wall decorations, as it allows artists to work with greater detail and flexibility after the plaster has dried. Unlike true fresco, which requires the painting to be completed while the plaster is still wet, fresco secco gives the artist more time to refine their work.
Frescoes: Frescoes are a type of mural painting executed on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the colors to bond with the wall as it dries. This technique was widely used in ancient Rome and other cultures, showcasing scenes of daily life, mythology, and nature. Frescoes serve as vital evidence of artistic expression, social structure, and material culture in places like Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Graffiti: Graffiti refers to inscriptions, drawings, or markings made on public surfaces, often created using spray paint or other tools. This form of expression can range from simple tags to elaborate murals and serves as a visual commentary on social, political, and cultural issues. In the context of ancient civilizations, graffiti provides insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and interactions of people in urban spaces.
Herculaneum: Herculaneum was an ancient Roman town located near modern-day Naples, Italy, that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. This catastrophic event preserved the town and its artifacts under volcanic ash, providing a unique glimpse into Roman life, art, and material culture at the time.
Imperial ideology: Imperial ideology refers to the beliefs, values, and propaganda that support and legitimize an empire's dominance over its territories and peoples. This concept often manifests in art and material culture, reflecting how empires project power, identity, and cultural superiority to maintain control and inspire loyalty among their subjects.
Inscriptions: Inscriptions are texts carved, engraved, or written on durable materials such as stone, metal, or pottery, often serving as a means of communication or record-keeping in ancient societies. They provide invaluable insight into the culture, politics, religion, and daily life of the people who created them. Through these inscriptions, we can learn about significant events, individuals, and social structures, enriching our understanding of past civilizations.
Landscapes: Landscapes refer to the visible features of an area of land, including its physical elements such as mountains, valleys, water bodies, and the way human activity interacts with the environment. In the context of art and material culture from excavations, landscapes provide insight into how ancient societies perceived their environment and represented it through various forms of artistic expression and artifacts.
Lararia: Lararia are household shrines found in Roman homes, particularly in Pompeii and Herculaneum, dedicated to the Lares, the protective spirits of the family. These small altars served as a focal point for domestic worship, reflecting the importance of family and ancestral veneration in daily life. The presence of lararia not only highlights the religious practices of the Roman people but also gives insight into their social structure and material culture.
Mosaics: Mosaics are artworks created by assembling small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials to form a larger image or pattern. These intricate designs often served both decorative and functional purposes in ancient structures, showcasing the skill of artisans and the cultural values of the societies that created them.
Mythology: Mythology refers to a collection of myths, which are traditional stories that explain natural or social phenomena, often involving gods, goddesses, and heroes. These narratives provide insight into the beliefs, values, and customs of a culture and often serve as a means to understand the world and humanity's place within it.
Opus sectile: Opus sectile is a decorative technique in ancient Roman art involving the use of cut stone or marble pieces to create intricate mosaic patterns and images. This method allowed artists to combine various colors and types of stone, resulting in elaborate designs often used in flooring, wall decoration, and furniture. It showcases the skill and artistry of Roman craftsmen while also reflecting the wealth and status of those who commissioned such work.
Opus tessellatum: Opus tessellatum refers to a type of mosaic technique used in ancient Roman art, characterized by the use of small, square pieces of colored stone, glass, or ceramic set into a bed of mortar. This method was commonly employed in flooring and wall decoration, showcasing intricate patterns and designs that enhanced the aesthetic appeal of public buildings and private homes. The beauty and durability of opus tessellatum not only reflected the skill of the artisans but also indicated the wealth and status of the patrons.
Opus vermiculatum: Opus vermiculatum is a Roman mosaic technique that utilizes small, irregularly shaped stones or tesserae to create intricate and detailed patterns, often resembling a painting. This style of mosaic work is characterized by its fine craftsmanship and ability to depict complex imagery, including realistic figures and landscapes. It represents a high point in the artistic expression of Roman decorative arts, especially in domestic and public architecture.
Pompeii: Pompeii was an ancient Roman city located near the Bay of Naples that was famously buried under volcanic ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The city's remarkable preservation under layers of ash provides invaluable insights into Roman daily life, art, and architecture, making it a key archaeological site for understanding the culture and material conditions of the time.
Portraiture: Portraiture is the artistic practice of creating representations of individuals, often focusing on their likeness, personality, and status. This form of art has deep roots in various cultures and serves not only to memorialize individuals but also to convey social and political messages, as well as cultural values through the depiction of clothing, posture, and expression. In many excavated sites, portraiture reveals insights into the identity and status of individuals within their respective societies.
Sculptures: Sculptures are three-dimensional artworks created by shaping or combining materials such as stone, metal, clay, or wood. They have been essential in expressing cultural values, beliefs, and historical narratives throughout different civilizations. In archaeological contexts, sculptures often provide insights into the material culture of ancient societies, revealing information about their social structures, artistic techniques, and religious practices.
Second Style: The Second Style refers to a significant phase of Roman wall painting that emerged during the late 1st century BCE and continued into the early 1st century CE. This artistic style is characterized by a shift from the elaborate, decorative patterns of the First Style to more illusionistic and three-dimensional representations, often creating the illusion of architectural spaces and landscapes.
Still life: Still life is a genre of art that focuses on the depiction of inanimate objects, often arranged in a deliberate composition. This art form captures the beauty of everyday items, such as fruits, flowers, and household objects, often highlighting their texture, color, and form. The still life genre has deep roots in ancient art, serving both aesthetic purposes and symbolic meanings within cultural contexts.
Terracotta figurines: Terracotta figurines are small sculptural representations made from fired clay, commonly used in ancient cultures as both art and religious objects. These figures often depict humans, animals, or deities and are significant in understanding the artistic styles, beliefs, and daily life of the societies that created them. Their widespread discovery in archaeological excavations highlights their role in material culture, reflecting both social practices and aesthetic values.
Third Style: The Third Style refers to a decorative style of Roman wall painting that emerged in the late 1st century BCE and lasted into the early 1st century CE. Characterized by its intricate designs, the style features delicate figures and ornamental motifs against a flat background, emphasizing elegance and refinement in contrast to earlier styles that focused on realism and perspective.