Third style

Definition

The third style is a Roman wall painting style that emerged around the 1st century BCE, characterized by intricate and delicate decorative motifs, and a tendency towards flatness and ornamental designs rather than deep spatial perspective. It marks a shift from the illusionistic approach of earlier styles, focusing instead on creating a more stylized aesthetic that often incorporates framed pictures and small, detailed scenes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The third style is often considered a response to the visual extravagance of the second style, prioritizing ornamentation over realism.
2. Common themes in third style paintings include mythological scenes, floral designs, and intricate architectural elements that create a sense of elegance.
3. In many third style works, the background is painted in solid colors, often red or black, to emphasize the foreground motifs.
4. This style was particularly prevalent in elite Roman homes, demonstrating wealth and sophistication through its elaborate decorative schemes.
5. The transition to the third style marked a significant moment in Roman art history, influencing later artistic developments in both Roman and Byzantine art.

Review Questions

• How does the third style differ from previous wall painting styles in terms of technique and aesthetic approach?
  • The third style differs significantly from previous styles like the first and second by emphasizing decorative flatness rather than illusionistic depth. While earlier styles focused on creating three-dimensional spaces with architectural elements and realistic figures, the third style introduced a more stylized approach with ornate designs and framed images. This reflects a shift in artistic priorities towards elegance and intricacy over realistic representation.
• Discuss how the themes and motifs found in third style wall paintings reflect cultural values of Roman society during its popularity.
  • The themes and motifs found in third style wall paintings reveal much about Roman cultural values during its popularity. With an emphasis on mythological scenes and intricate ornamentation, these artworks catered to an elite audience that valued sophistication, education, and cultural heritage. The frequent depiction of nature and divine figures illustrates the Roman appreciation for beauty and order in both their environment and their lives, which was paramount to their identity as cultured citizens of the empire.
• Evaluate the impact of artist workshops on the development and dissemination of the third style across Roman territories.
  • Artist workshops played a crucial role in the development and dissemination of the third style throughout Roman territories by promoting consistent techniques and thematic elements. These workshops not only trained artists in specific methods but also facilitated the spread of stylistic trends across regions as they fulfilled commissions for wealthy patrons. This interconnectedness among workshops led to variations of the third style being adapted to local tastes while maintaining core aesthetic principles, ultimately contributing to a unified artistic identity within the Roman Empire.

Related terms

fresco:

A technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing for vibrant colors that become part of the wall as it dries.

Pompeian Style: The collective term for the various styles of Roman wall painting found in Pompeii, including the first, second, and third styles, reflecting different artistic trends and influences.

ornamentation:

The decorative elements added to art or architecture to enhance aesthetic appeal, which in the third style often includes floral patterns and mythological imagery.