Second style

Definition

The second style, also known as the 'Architectural Style,' is a significant phase of Roman wall painting that emerged around the late 1st century BCE and lasted until the early 1st century CE. This style is characterized by a shift from flat, patterned backgrounds to more complex illusionistic architecture that creates the appearance of depth and space on flat walls. It often incorporates architectural elements like columns, arches, and perspectives that mimic three-dimensionality, effectively transforming the walls into openings to imaginary landscapes or architectural vistas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The second style aimed to create an illusion of depth, making walls appear as if they opened up to different views or landscapes beyond.
2. This style often featured mythological scenes, architectural motifs, and sometimes even cityscapes, enhancing its immersive quality.
3. Key examples of second style paintings can be found in sites like Pompeii, particularly in the Villa of the Mysteries.
4. Artists used techniques like linear perspective and atmospheric effects to enhance the three-dimensional illusion.
5. The second style was crucial in setting the stage for subsequent styles of Roman wall painting, influencing later artistic expressions in both the Roman Empire and beyond.

Review Questions

• How does the second style differ from the first style in terms of visual representation and techniques used?
  • The second style represents a significant departure from the first style, which primarily focused on creating flat decorative surfaces that imitated marble. In contrast, the second style introduced complex architectural elements and illusionistic techniques designed to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality on flat walls. While the first style was more about decoration, the second style emphasized creating immersive environments that drew viewers into a depicted world.
• Discuss how the second style reflects changes in Roman artistic preferences during its period of popularity.
  • The rise of the second style reflects a growing interest in realism and spatial representation within Roman art. As artists began to move away from flat patterns toward creating depth through architectural illusions, it indicated a cultural shift towards experiencing art as immersive rather than just ornamental. This change also mirrors broader trends in Roman society that valued innovation and engagement with visual aesthetics, laying the groundwork for future artistic developments.
• Evaluate the impact of the second style on later artistic movements in Western art history.
  • The innovations introduced by the second style had a lasting influence on later artistic movements such as Renaissance painting. The emphasis on perspective and realistic spatial representation found in second style works laid essential groundwork for artists like Raphael and Michelangelo who further developed these techniques. Additionally, this shift toward creating immersive environments can be seen echoed in later artistic forms, demonstrating how ancient Roman practices continued to resonate throughout Western art history.

Related terms

first style: The first style, or 'Incrustation Style,' is an earlier Roman wall painting technique that aimed to imitate costly marble panels using painted stucco reliefs.

third style: The third style, known as the 'Ornate Style,' follows the second style and features delicate and linear designs, often with a focus on decorative motifs rather than illusionism.

fresco: A fresco is a technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the paint to bond with the wall and become an integral part of the surface.