Free Essay

Greek and Roman Art: Compare and Contrast

In:

Submitted By alwaysneedhelp2
Words 422
Pages 2
Greek and Roman Art: Compare and Contrast
Sylvia Williams
HUMA/205
March 31, 2012
William Figueroa/instructor

Greek and Roman Art: Compare and Contrast
The Doryphoros also known as the Spear Bearer was created by Greek sculptor Polykleitos. He created this statue depicting an athlete or the ideal man of equal proportions, combining observations with mathematical calculations (Frank, 2002-2011). The materials used were marble and the process or technique used to create such a masterpiece was to show the human at its finest, at rest (Frank, 2002-2011). The colors used vary; from the beginning it was marble and also bronze as well as terra cotta was used (Lapatin). The subject matter is the human form and I think it can be representational and abstract art. Representational because it does represent the human form and it is a form we can recognize from the everyday world and abstract because although it is of the human form, no subject was used, it was a vision; therefore meaning it was the essence or an object or idea (Frank, 2002-2011).

She-Wolf is the topic chosen for the Roman Art. She-wolf is a bronze sculptor of two infants suckled by a she-wolf. The infants, found by a shepherd were raised by him and his wife; whom named the twins Romulus and Remus (Joe, 2008). It was said to be constructed around 500 BCE, with the twins added in the late 15th century (Sullivan, 2006). The materials used were bronze. Just like the Doryphoros, the material used was bronze and it would be considered representational and the meaning of this piece of art is showing the wolf, nursing and protecting the infants. The message is showing how motherhood comes in different forms.

The Doryphoros and the Roman Art were constructed between 450 and 500BCE and both were created using bronze. They each show strength, while the She-wolf also shows protection.

Reference
Frank, P. (2002-2011). Prebles Artforms. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Joe, J. (2008, November 16). Tales of Rome. Retrieved from Timeless Myths: http://www.timelessmyths.com/classical/gallery/shewolf.jpg
Lapatin, K. D. (n.d.). Reviews.Art Bullentin, 79(1), 148. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.proxy.cecybrary.com/ehost/detail?sid=05440ca2-4ef9-489e-953a-82abffe9c9bd%40sessionmgr13&vid=4&hid=116&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=vth&AN=9704291784
Sullivan, M. A. (2006). She-Wolf, Capitoline Museum. Retrieved from Rome, Italy: http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/italy/rome/capitolinemuseumone/shewolf.html

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Compare Contrast Greek and Roman Art and Architecture

...Compare/Contrast Greek and Roman Art and Architecture Since the onset of Greek and Roman civilizations centuries ago we have seen the art and architectural worlds evolve into what we know them as today. In fact, many of the ancient Greek styles were duplicated by the Romans and modified to suit their needs. We can still see a lot of Greek and Roman influences in the present day, especially in the architectural world. Below I will cite some examples of Greek and Roman pieces of art and a structure from each culture and detail some similarities as well as some contrasting values. I’d like to begin by comparing some pieces of art. In The Fallen Warrior (Greece) and The Dying Gaul (Roman copy) both clearly represent a tragic event. Both subjects are leaning on the ground and seem to be dying but the reality of the event is more evident in the Gaul sculpture. The wound is clearly visible and the anguish of the subject is captured in his poise. Conversely the subject of the Warrior piece looks rather content and shows no visible injury. Both works are roughly the same size and represent a relatively perfect human structure with attention to muscular detail as well as an idealization of the human body. However, the Warrior sculpture shows less optical fact and more stylization as far as the eyes, mouth and beard are concerned when compared to the almost true to nature elements of the Gaul piece. This shows how some of the Greek foundation was carried along but modified...

Words: 628 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Compare Contrast Greek and Roman Art and Architecture

...Compare/Contrast Greek and Roman Art and Architecture Since the onset of Greek and Roman civilizations centuries ago we have seen the art and architectural worlds evolve into what we know them as today. In fact, many of the ancient Greek styles were duplicated by the Romans and modified to suit their needs. We can still see a lot of Greek and Roman influences in the present day, especially in the architectural world. Below I will cite some examples of Greek and Roman pieces of art and a structure from each culture and detail some similarities as well as some contrasting values. I’d like to begin by comparing some pieces of art. In The Fallen Warrior (Greece) and The Dying Gaul (Roman copy) both clearly represent a tragic event. Both subjects are leaning on the ground and seem to be dying but the reality of the event is more evident in the Gaul sculpture. The wound is clearly visible and the anguish of the subject is captured in his poise. Conversely the subject of the Warrior piece looks rather content and shows no visible injury. Both works are roughly the same size and represent a relatively perfect human structure with attention to muscular detail as well as an idealization of the human body. However, the Warrior sculpture shows less optical fact and more stylization as far as the eyes, mouth and beard are concerned when compared to the almost true to nature elements of the Gaul piece. This shows how some of the Greek foundation was carried along but modified by the...

Words: 345 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Compare Contrast Greek and Roman Art and Architecture

...Buddhism & Hinduism "Buddhism, in its origin at least is an offshoot of Hinduism." (S.Rahdhakrishnan) Guatam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism was born and brought up and lived and left this materialistic world as a Hindu. And this particular evidence is enough to explain that the concept of Hinduism predates to that of Buddhism. Hinduism, better known as the 'Sanatan Dharma' to the Hindus, is believed to be the oldest religion in the history of human civilisation. Practiced majorly in the secular India, the origin of Hinduism is still a mystery! According to the historians, the origin of Hinduism dates back to 5000 or more years, whereas, the origin of Buddhism came into existence in a much later period, that is in & around 563 BC. After Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment, He preached whatever He learnt from His experiences and His teachings came to be known as Buddhism and were well received by the people. It was during the later part of the Vedic Era, when Hinduism was on the verge of decline owing to the orthodoxy, superstitions and staunch practices, prevailing in the religion, when Buddhism with lesser complexities and rituals was accepted by the common people of India. This was the time when Buddhism arose out of the atheistic strands of Hinduism. It is a fact that Buddhism evolved and developed because of the complex nature evolving in Hinduism, but still despite some differences, these two sects have a lot of things in common. Similarities between Hinduism...

Words: 875 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Cultural Studies

...Elements of early Greek and Roman Cultures: Government | Compare•Kings originally ruled both Athens, Greece and Rome | Contrast• Rome eventually formed a mixed form of Republican government, followed by emperors• Greece eventually changed to oligarchy, and then to democracy | Geographical Terrain | Compare• Both are located in the Mediterranean | Contrast• Greece was separated by hilly countrysides located by water• Rome was inland without natural hilly borders | Economics | Compare• Both Rome and Greece economies were based upon agriculture• Both major producers of wine and olive oil• Both had forms of coinage | Contrast• Romans farmed, while Greeks thought that it was degrading• Greece had slaves, but Rome was dependent on slave trades | Trade Practices | Compare• Both exported wine and olive oil | Contrast• Romans imported wheat as a staple, while Greeks used wheat as a household food | Art | Compare• Both are very well-known featured in museums across the globe | Contrast• Greek art is considered superior to Roman art • Greek sculptors goal was to create ideal artistic form, whilst a Roman artist goal to produce realistic portraits meant for decorating | Architecture | Compare• Both have buildings and structures that are still standing today, proving excellent workmanship• Both cultures architectures can be seen in courthouses in America through columns | Contrast•Greeks had three styles of architecture: Doric, Iconic and Corinthian• Each Greek building had a political...

Words: 455 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Introduction to Humanities

...Institution Abstract Compare and contrast distinguishing elements or features of early Greek and Roman cultures, including but not limited to, government, geographical terrain, economics and trade practices, art and architecture, philosophical and religious differences. COMPARE AND CONTRAST GREEK AND ROMAN EARLY CIVILIZATION GREEK CIVILIZATION | ROMAN CIVILIZATION | | | Geography: Greece comprise of Mediterranean countries. However, terrain is hilly countryside and were near water. Cities that were created around Mediterranean Sea are known as colonies. | Geography: Also Mediterranean countries; however, more inland, on one side Tiber River, Italic tribes did not have natural hilly borders. Around Naples there was fertile land and rich soil. It covered Italian peninsula where small villages were set around hills. | Economics: Main resource was agriculture. Produced enough wheat for own survival; but, bad agricultural practices showed the in-capabilities of Greeks. Wine and olive oil were chief imports. They thought themselves more superior and considered some work as degrading to them. Greek paid less attention on technology. Due to having slaves, many hardest tasks were done by the cheap labor-slaves. | Economics: Romans also were involved in farming; however, were imported most of their wheat. Trading helped their economy. They exported wine and olive oil. Romans depended on the slave labor for mining. The slaves...

Words: 1540 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Roman and Greek Differences

...American intercontinental university | Compare and Contrast | The comparison and contrasting of Greek and Roman Cultures | | Misty Thornton | 11/11/2012 | The comparing and contrasting that distinguish elements or features of early Greek and Roman cultures, including illustrative or significant examples of the various features. | Contrast | GREEKS | ROMANS | ART | Had sculptures that consisted of small figurines and life-size statues. Showed the beauty of the human form in nudes and combined realism and idealism. | Had sculptures and statues. Mosaics were popular because they were created a desired look. | | Sculptures created told stories of heroes, Gods, mythical creatures, important events and the culture of Greece. | Sculptures designed for the purpose of telling the significant history of the culture. | | Pottery was another form of important art. Architecture typically more rectilinear and of post and lintel construction. | Created paintings. Buildings they mastered were ones that had arches and domes. Made concrete better. | GEOGRAPHY | Greece land is covered with many mountains. It is a peninsula composing of even smaller peninsulas on its land. | Rome was located near the Mediterranean Sea and the volcanic mountains. The land is composed of large hills made of tufa rocks. | RELIGION | Built temples. Temples were ornate on the outside and plain on the inside. Worshiped many Gods like Zeus, Hera, and Apollo. | Temples built were...

Words: 487 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Topics in Cultural Studies Unit 1

...gives a visual presentation of Greek and Roman cultures as they evolved using timelines for both. She discusses similarities and differences in each as pertaining to government, geography, economics, arts and philosophy. In conclusion she summarizes how these ancient cultures helped shape the modern world. These two timelines show the evolution of both empires, Greek and Roman. As you can See the Romans only surfaced toward the end of the Greek culture was beginning its decline. Greece was the beginning of civilization in that it showed a shift from a nomadic lifestyle to an agrarian and more sedentary lifestyle (Course materials, 2012). The timelines contain information found on the following websites http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his101/TIMELINE/T-ROMAN.HTM and http://www.ancient-greece.org/resources/timeline.html (2012). Linear writing which was begun in Greece from about the 18th century BCE and used until about the 15th century BCE is a still undeciphered writing system closely related to the ideographic writings known as hieroglyphs (thefreedictionary.com, 2012). Polytheism was the religious belief and was closely entwined with their everyday life and was highly structured (course material, 2012). This culture was defensive in nature when it came to its architecture with the building of protective and extensive walls and it was founded on a feudal system of political structure (course material, 2012). It was during this period that the arts flourished including theater...

Words: 557 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Ancient Greek and Rome Culture

...Studies: 215-08 Introduction to Humanities- Unit 1 Individual Project Deanna K. Wadley April 28, 2012 ABSTRACT This paper will develop a table to compare and contract both the ancient Greeks and Romans. It will include their culture, the type of governments they had, the level of trade, and economic conditions as well as the geographical areas they both thrived in. In addition the table will compare and contrast both civilizations art, architectural styles and accomplishments and their philosophical and religious beliefs. The table will also include visual representation to give readers a clearer picture of the past. Features of Greek and Roman Cultures Features | Ancient Greece | Roman Republic/Empire | | Timeline | 800 BCE – 500 BCE | 509 BCE - 27 BCE | | Government | * Made up of independent states called Polis, or city states. * Used sanctuaries to gather to share important cultural elements. * Citizens were land-owning males who had the right to vote and speak out in court (Sayre, 2010). | * Class structure composed of three tribes and consisted of two ranks; Patricians, and plebeians. * First form of representative government made up of a legislative and judicial branch * Developed elaborate code of law. (Sayre, 2010). | | Agriculture | * Farming * Animal husbandry * Beekeeping * Greeks had poor soil as they were located in rocky hills and mountains. Greece, 2001). | * Level plains for cultivation * Terraced farming on sloped ...

Words: 730 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Humanities Unit 1

...Title: Compare/Contrast Greek and Roman Cultures Assignment: Part 1: Fill in the below table with both similarities and differences of the Greek and Roman cultures. Indicate if you are describing a similarity or a difference. If you are describing a similarity then place your research information under both the Greek and Roman culture. If you are describing a difference list the difference between the two cultures under each culture. Please fill in all 10 lines within the table, each row will expand as you type in your information. | Similarity/Difference | Greek Culture | Roman Culture | 1 | Difference | The Greek Culture was older than the Roman culture | The Greek Culture was older than the Roman culture. | 2 | Similarity | The Roman was great admirers of Greek cultures they copied their gods and specific ranks and Romanized it. | The Roman was great admirers of Greek cultures they copied their gods and specific ranks and Romanized it. | 3 | Difference | Roman did gladiatorial games and Greeks did not. The Greeks did theatricals plays | Roman did gladiatorial games and Greeks did not. The Greeks did theatricals plays | 4 | Difference | The Greek developed democracy and Roman had a republican for class later ruled by emperors. | The Greek developed democracy and Roman had a republican for class later ruled by emperors. | 5 | Similarity | The Roman adopted the Greek fashion of the toga. Men and women wore them | The Roman adopted the Greek fashion...

Words: 626 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Greek and Roman Cultures

...Intercontinental University Topic of Cultural Studies June 10, 2012 Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the Greek and Roman Cultures. These are the different kinds of Greek columns that were used in there arhecture. The Doric column has no base at the bottom where the Ionic does to give more stability. This is roman art it depicts the realistic image of the person but used for more decorations than anything. This is Greek Art it portrays the same as the Roman’s Topic | Greek | Roman | Government | Ruled by aristocrats in a democracy setting. | Had a monarchy ruled by kings then adapt a mixed government around c.509 b.c. | Geographical Terrain | Hilly countryside that was near water | More inland near two mountain ranges the Alps to the north and the Apennine to the East. Stayed on one side of the Tibet River | Economics | Main wheat harvest then started wine and olive oil | Main focus was wine and olive oil but also participated in trade | Art | Was big and beautiful focus on artistic forms, | Realistic mainly for decoration copied a lot from the Greeks in the way it was portrayed | Architecture | Had two different types of columns they use 1.) Doric 2.) Ionic one had a base the other did not | Copied from the Greeks mostly | Religion | Worshipped many gods and felt that the gods had many human characteristics | Same as the Greeks | | | | References Culture and Society. (2012). Retrieved from Http://www.ancientgreece...

Words: 291 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Elements of Greek and Roman Cultures

...Elements of Greek and Roman Cultures By Agnes Lind The following chart compares and contrast distinguishing elements of early Greek and Roman cultures. The chart will also provide a couple examples of various features. Elements Greek Culture Roman Culture Government Each little city-state had its own polis. They called this citadel an acropolis. It served many purposes. They debated issues of the laws and settle disputes. Rome had Kings and was known as Roman Republic. They had soldiers and if you were high up in the military you could afford to be one of the horsemen. Geographical Area The main land is rugged mountains of country land that separates the small areas of farming land. Rome was actually built on seven hilly sites. The lower areas were swampy and could flood easily, while the higher areas were a little difficult for building. Economy Seeing how Greece was surrounded by mountains and sea, their economy was mainly into fishing, agriculture. They gathered their cash crops for exports. Agriculture and trade was the main economic production for the Romans. It did have some small industrial production though. Most of the metals used in these productions were gold, silver and bronze. Art Form The art form was figurines from a small size to life-size made of marble. The toes were always pointed downward and arms folded across the chest. The head was tilted...

Words: 516 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Origins of Vernacular Language

...Greek and Roman Civilization Achille Tyson AIU Online HUMA 215 Professor: Dr. Lisa Feder Due Date: Jul 22, 2012 This is a chart to compare and contrast distinguishing elements of early Roman and early Greek cultures. CATAGORIES | GREEK | ROMAN | | Religion | 1. Greek religion was festive. 2. More poetic and less practical. 3. Not much was placed on religion to make it a state religion. 4. Less ritualistic. 5. God and Goddesses | 1. Roman religion was of a conservative and serious nature. 2. More ritualistic and ceremonial than the Greek’s religion. 3. Emphasized a state religion. 4. Gods are more defined. 5. Cult-like religion | | Architecture/Art | 1. Like marble when dealing with sculptures. 2. Love the Doric and Ionic style of architecture. An example of the Doric and Ionic style architecture style or design is the famous temple of Parthenon. 3. Interested in perfection as it relates to art. 4. They were interested in mythology and focus on that when it comes to art. 5. Greek art were “good” | 1. Liked to use cement and concrete to make their sculptures...

Words: 420 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Culyural Syncertism

...1 Title: Compare/Contrast Greek and Roman Cultures ‘}A/*54mperial Ro | Similarity/Difference | Greek Culture | Roman Culture | 1 | Similar | Greek philosophy has always played a very pivotal part in Roman philosophy. As well as western philosophy. away from the mythological | Using similar philosophies as the Greek, mythological ideas were no longer used and more relevant types of discussion were used. began to rewrote to a less educated | 2 | Different | Greek women were thought of as property and allowed few rights Women in Greece were taught very basic education as young girls. They were taught how to make a home and rear children.(Barrow, M)2013 | While Roman women to be property of their male guardians. The Upper Class was given more rights. Such as owning and selling property. As well as being able to inherit from brothers. (Barrow)2013 | 3 | Similar | Greek children were treated as ones just awaiting adulthood. With few rights. Both male and female children were educated until age 12. Males were expected to continue education and do things such as learn to play instruments(Regain),2004 | Roman children were treated very much in the same manor as Greek children. Girl were taught more about raising the families and keeping a home. | 4 | Different | Greek soldiers were mostly foot soldiers and fought in a phanalax formation. This consisted of infantry 8 deep. They fought in close formation that made it more difficult to maneuver | Roman soldiers were...

Words: 757 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Humanities

...Introduction to Humanities Janel Carrier AIU Abstract This paper compares and contrasts distinguishing elements or features of early Greek and Roman cultures. It includes a table that illustrates significant examples of the various features. It also includes the elements of culture such as government, geographical terrain, economics and trade practices, art, architecture, philosophical and religious beliefs. Elements | Greek | Roman | Government and geographical terrain | Is a Mediterranean country. But Greek city states were separated by hilly country sides and water. “Greece communities began to organize themselves and exercise authority over their own limited geographical regions, which were defined by natural boundaries- mountains, rivers, and plains (Henry Sayre, 2013, pg 49)”. Greeks had many different types of governments. They all changed over time due to new beliefs or ideas. “Greece began by having monarchies, then oligarchies, then tyrannies and then democracies, but at each period there were plenty of city stated using a different system, and there were many which never did become democracies or tyrannies at all ( History for kids, 2012)”. That could because of a lot of things, distance from the other Greek city’s, population, production, etc. | Is a Mediterranean country. Rome was an inland country on the side of the Tiber river. It did not have much of a hilly geographical terrain. In Italy, around Naples, mt. Vesuvius produced fertile land by blanketing...

Words: 862 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Introduction to Humanities

...Unit 1 IP Introduction to Humanities By Amber Brooker Abstract In this essay, I created a chart to compare and contrast elements of early Greek and Roman cultures. Greek/Roman Comparing Chart Category | Greek | Roman | Art | Greek Temple Architecture was an important form of art in Early Greece. The Greeks developed three architectural systems called Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Each one was distinctive in its style and design. Greek Pottery was another important form of art in Early Greece. The paintings on the pottery found from early Greece has survived for centuries and these pieces give a glimpse into the culture and lives of Early Greece. Sculptures were important too, they consisted of small figurines and life-size statutes. Sculptures were created using marble, limestone, stone, and other materials. The sculptures created told stories of Heroes, Gods, Mythical Creatures, Important Events, and the culture of Greece | Roman Statues were developed from copying the art from the Greeks. Statues were made of gods and important leaders. Their statues showed a great sense of skill and originality. Roman sculptures were designed for the purpose of telling the significant history of the culture.  Besides the sculptures, statues, and paintings in Rome, Mosaics were also popular. Mosaics were made with geometric shapes of stone and placed in different shapes to create the desired look. | Geography | Greece is a peninsula that is composed of even smaller peninsulas...

Words: 775 - Pages: 4