Module description
Topic: Roman Art
The Roman world was full of images. They occupied a prominent and important position in public life, and were also vital in more private contexts such as houses and tombs. This module explores Roman visual culture from a variety of settings. The aim is not only to become familiar with this extraordinary body of material, but also to examine how we can use Roman art to gain insights into ancient lives and experiences, some of which we would not otherwise be able to access. The course looks at the images put up by a diverse range of people, from emperors to ex-slaves and explores case studies from around the Roman world, from Syria to North Africa, Italy to Britain. It examines a variety of different media, including sculpted stone, mosaic or paintings and looks at change over time and by region.
Assessment details
3 hour exam (100%)
Educational aims & objectives
The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the range and role of Roman visual culture in the private sphere in Rome and the provinces between the 2nd century BC and the 4th century AD, but particularly from the first century to the third. Students will become familiar with the visual material through close analysis of the function and meaning of the iconography and will explore its significance in wider physical, social and historical contexts. They will also explore its position in relationship to earlier artistic output as well as the nature of the contemporary ancient literature and its impact on our understanding of ancient art. Students will become aware of the dynamics of our changing views of the past and into current theoretical arguments in art history, anthropology and archaeology.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 5 module and in particular will be able to show:
- knowledge and understanding of a range of artistic media and forms current in the Roman world between ca 220 BC and AD 337, and familiarity with the main lines of this material’s historical development over that period.
- knowledge and understanding of the principal kinds of subject matter and contexts for display of works of art in the public and private spheres over this period.
- knowledge and understanding of interpretative debates over a representative selection of particular topics, e.g. on imperial propaganda and the role of imperial portraiture, around the meaning of sculptural decoration in the funerary sphere; considering differing approaches to art in the private sphere such as exploring the relationship between subject matter and society in mosaics; looking at function and meaning in the use and decoration of tablewares; the role played by the techniques and working practices of ancient craftsmen.
- ability to identify, describe and critically evaluate individual works of art from this period.
- the ability to present their views on the subject orally and in writing, and to defend them in debate with alternative perspectives.
Teaching pattern
10 x 1 hour lecture and 10 x 1 hour seminar (weekly)
Suggested reading list
Borg, B. (ed.) A Companion to Roman Art (Newark, 2015).
Stewart, P.C.N. Roman art (Oxford, 2004).
Stewart, P.C.N. The Social History of Roman Art (Cambridge, 2008).