🏛️Art and Monuments of Augustan Rome Unit 6 – Augustan Homes: Architecture & Decor

Historical Context

• Augustan period marked a significant shift in Roman architecture and design
• Followed the tumultuous years of civil war and political instability in the Late Republic
• Augustus, as the first Roman emperor, ushered in an era of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana
• Augustan building program aimed to transform Rome into a city worthy of an empire
• Influenced by Hellenistic architecture and design, incorporating Greek elements into Roman style
• Augustan architecture served as a means of propaganda, promoting the emperor's political and cultural agenda
• Reflected the increasing wealth and power of the Roman Empire during this period

Key Architects and Patrons

• Vitruvius, a Roman architect and engineer, wrote the influential treatise "De Architectura" during the Augustan period
  • Outlined the principles of architecture, including the three main components: firmitas (strength), utilitas (functionality), and venustas (beauty)
• Gaius Maecenas, a close advisor and friend of Augustus, was a significant patron of the arts and architecture
  • Commissioned the Horti Maecenatis (Gardens of Maecenas) on the Esquiline Hill, showcasing Augustan landscaping and design
• Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Augustus' right-hand man and son-in-law, oversaw many of the emperor's building projects
  • Responsible for the construction of the Pantheon, the Baths of Agrippa, and the Aqua Virgo aqueduct
• Augustus himself acted as a patron, commissioning numerous public buildings, temples, and monuments throughout Rome
  • Projects included the Forum of Augustus, the Temple of Apollo Palatinus, and the Ara Pacis Augustae

Architectural Innovations

• Augustan architects refined the use of concrete, enabling the construction of larger and more complex structures
• Developed the use of the arch and vault, allowing for greater flexibility in interior spaces and the creation of vast open areas
• Introduced the use of the dome in Roman architecture, as seen in the Pantheon
  • Domes allowed for the creation of expansive, unobstructed interior spaces
• Perfected the use of the Corinthian order, characterized by ornate, leafy capitals on columns
• Incorporated Greek architectural elements, such as the use of marble and the integration of sculptural decoration
• Developed the concept of the "urban villa," luxurious residential complexes within the city
• Pioneered the use of the "exedra," a semicircular recess or niche, in both public and private buildings

Typical Layout and Features

• Augustan homes were typically organized around a central atrium, an open-air courtyard that served as the heart of the house
  • Atrium often featured a compluvium (a rectangular opening in the roof) and an impluvium (a shallow pool to catch rainwater)
• Tablinum, a large room adjacent to the atrium, served as the master's study or reception area
• Triclinium, the dining room, was an important space for entertaining guests
  • Often featured elaborate mosaic floors and frescoed walls
• Peristyle, a colonnaded garden, was a common feature in larger Augustan homes
  • Provided a tranquil, outdoor space for relaxation and reflection
• Cubicula, or bedrooms, were typically small and located on the upper floors or in the rear of the house
• Service areas, such as the kitchen and slaves' quarters, were usually located in the back of the house, away from the main living spaces

Interior Design Elements

• Augustan interiors showcased a rich array of decorative elements, reflecting the wealth and sophistication of the period
• Frescoes, or wall paintings, were a prominent feature in Augustan homes
  • Depicted mythological scenes, landscapes, and trompe l'oeil architectural elements
  • Pompeian styles (I-IV) developed during this period, each with distinct characteristics
• Mosaics, intricate designs created with small pieces of stone or glass, adorned floors and walls
  • Depicted geometric patterns, mythological scenes, and naturalistic imagery
• Stucco, a fine plaster, was used to create intricate moldings, cornices, and decorative reliefs
• Marble, imported from various parts of the empire, was used for flooring, wall veneer, and decorative elements
  • Different colors and patterns of marble were used to create visual interest and contrast
• Sculptural elements, such as freestanding statues and reliefs, were often incorporated into interior design
  • Depicted mythological figures, portraits, and scenes from daily life
• Textiles, such as tapestries and curtains, added color and softness to the interior spaces

Materials and Construction Techniques

• Augustan architects and builders utilized a variety of materials and techniques to create their structures
• Concrete, a mixture of lime, volcanic ash, and aggregate, revolutionized Roman construction
  • Allowed for the creation of large, vaulted spaces and complex forms
  • Enabled the construction of multi-story buildings and monumental structures
• Brick and stone were used for load-bearing walls and facades
  • Opus reticulatum, a facing technique using small, pyramid-shaped stones set in a diagonal pattern, was popular during the Augustan period
• Marble, imported from various regions of the empire, was used for decorative elements, flooring, and wall veneer
  • Carrara marble, from northern Italy, was particularly prized for its white color and fine grain
• Timber was used for roofing, ceiling beams, and upper floors
  • Cypress and oak were common choices due to their strength and durability
• Stucco, a fine plaster made from lime and marble dust, was used for interior and exterior decoration
  • Applied in multiple layers to create a smooth, polished surface
• Mosaics were created using small pieces of stone, glass, or ceramic called tesserae
  • Set into a bed of mortar to create intricate designs and patterns

Symbolic and Political Significance

• Augustan architecture and design played a crucial role in promoting the emperor's political and cultural agenda
• Public buildings, such as temples and monuments, were designed to celebrate the achievements of Augustus and the Roman state
  • The Ara Pacis Augustae, an altar dedicated to peace, commemorated Augustus' successful campaigns and the establishment of the Pax Romana
• The Forum of Augustus, with its Temple of Mars Ultor, symbolized the emperor's role as the avenger of Julius Caesar and the protector of Rome
• The Pantheon, rebuilt by Agrippa during Augustus' reign, represented the emperor's connection to the divine and his role as the intermediary between gods and men
• Private residences of the elite, such as the House of Augustus on the Palatine Hill, showcased the emperor's taste and refinement
  • Served as a model for aristocratic homes throughout the empire
• The use of Greek architectural elements and the incorporation of Greek art and culture reflected Augustus' desire to present himself as a cultured and educated ruler
• The grandeur and scale of Augustan architecture demonstrated the wealth, power, and stability of the Roman Empire under Augustus' leadership

Legacy and Influence

• Augustan architecture and design had a lasting impact on the development of Roman art and architecture
• Established a new standard of grandeur and refinement that would influence Roman builders for centuries to come
• The use of concrete, vaulting, and the arch became hallmarks of Roman architecture, enabling the construction of even larger and more complex structures in later periods
• The Pompeian styles of wall painting, developed during the Augustan period, continued to evolve and influence Roman interior design throughout the empire
• The integration of Greek architectural elements and the use of marble became enduring features of Roman architecture
• Augustan building techniques and design principles spread throughout the empire, influencing provincial architecture in regions such as Gaul, Hispania, and North Africa
• The legacy of Augustan architecture can be seen in the works of later Roman emperors, such as Nero's Domus Aurea and Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli
• Augustan architecture and design also had a significant impact on the development of Western art and architecture in subsequent centuries
  • Served as a source of inspiration for Renaissance architects and artists, who sought to emulate the grandeur and harmony of classical Roman architecture