The art of ancient Rome developed over almost a millennium. It originated at the end of the 6th century. BC e. The art of Ancient Rome reached its heyday in the era of the formation of the world slave state. During this period, culture was very diverse.
The art of ancient Rome had its own differences. They were mainly due to historical features of development. The art of ancient Rome was based mainly on the interaction of the original culture of local peoples (Etruscans in the first place) and Italian tribes with a more perfect Greek culture. To a certain extent, the traditions of the Celts, Germans, Gauls and other peoples influenced it. Accepting various elements, the ancient Roman art retained its originality. At the same time, the confrontation between the state and the citizen affected the country's culture.
In ancient Roman art, a special role was given to architecture. In it, in turn, the main place is occupied by public buildings that embody ideas about the power of the state.
In the ancient world, Roman architecture did not know equal in terms of technical thought, the variety of structures, the scale of construction, and the richness of compositions. Its true power is not in magnificent decor, but in reasonable expediency, satisfaction of practical social and domestic needs and requirements.
Ancient Roman architecture was characterized by large-scale universal construction of cities. They were built as part of a strictly organized layout. The scale of the city corresponded to developing living conditions. In urban planning, of course, the needs of the simple, free population were also taken into account. Public life was mainly held at the forum - the square, which was a special architectural ensemble. The forum was the center of the social life of Ancient Rome, its political arena, the place of military triumphs, and public gatherings.
In accordance with the needs of the population, various types of structures were formed: baths, triumphal arches, amphitheaters, aqueducts, columns. The rationalism characteristic of architecture was reflected in the spatial scope, the integrity of huge complexes, strict symmetry and the constructive logic of forms.
The painting of Ancient Rome became a reflection of the cultures of all peoples that were ever captured by the Romans. Public buildings and palaces were decorated with paintings and wall paintings. The main plot were mythological episodes. Landscape sketches were also popular.
It should be noted that ancient Roman painting was particularly original. Unfortunately, few samples have been preserved since then. However, extant frescoes reflect the free style of artists. Wall paintings are characterized by warm colors, lively colors, pleasant shades. In ancient Rome, portraiture was very popular.
Together with the use of Greek patterns as the basis of the artistic direction, various possibilities were used to create color and air perspectives. A skillful combination of light and shadow created the illusion of space.
On the walls of the houses of noble citizens, artists depicted scenes from ordinary life, still lifes were popular.
The sculptures of Ancient Rome were endowed with a deeply cognitive meaning. In this direction, interest was shown in the personality itself and the person’s fate, in reflecting the concrete historical character of the citizen.
New trends in the development of art formed with the advent of Christianity. In particular, marked changes were observed during the reign of Emperor Constantine. After the capital of the empire was moved to Constantinople, Rome was in the status of a provincial center. At this point, the history of the Ancient World ends. However, his culture continues to evolve, transforming into a culture of the Middle Ages.