Art 1301 （3 assignments need separate）

Johnny Smith

ID: 1234567

Art 1301-Art Appreciation

Mr. Jason Hose

Art Analysis

Richland College

The Roots

Ancient Roman culture background

Ancient Roman culture is widely known for its intriguing politics, powerful military and the way it waged warfare. But they were also known to have had some of the largest advancements in literature, architecture, and the arts. Creating some of the greatest institutions that are still modeled today. The constant expansionism and wars fought by the governing body of Rome and the threats of invasions across the Alps to the north of the peninsula helped with the economic and political collapse of one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known. But what ultimately brought down the empire was the collapse of the imperial institutions that maintained unity, security, and prosperity for the vast lands under Roman rule. At its peak in history, Rome was a center hub for innovation and artistic creativity. This combination of artistic creativity and history of warfare is what culminates in fascinating works of art such as the Sarcophagus with Battle Scene at the Dallas Museum of Arts.

Analysis

This “Sarcophagus with Battle Scene” is not an ordinary sarcophagus. In fact there are only two like it in the United States today. Both in Texas. One at the Dallas Museum of Arts and the other located in the Houston Museum of Arts. This high relief sculpture dates to the second century A.D. in Ancient Rome, in particular the Antonine dynasty. Upon close observation we can see that the battle scene is crowded and filled with horse mounted armored men brandishing sword and shield. There appears to be men in a dominate stature, with a commanding presence over seemingly defeated opponents. The sarcophagus depicts an honoring to a Roman military commander that was triumphant in battle. Very heavy, detailed, and lifelike. The relief sculpture has several bold vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines that give an intense impression. A dramatic feeling that is relative to war and victory. The eye is drawn to the center of the horizontal relief sculpture highlighting the intensity of the battle and carnage the relief sculpture is modeled in the Pergamene art style favored in this time period of the Roman Empire. It was adapted to the Roman taste for historic realism.

Interpretation

The sarcophagus is meant to honor the triumphs and pay respect to the man buried within it. Most Roman sarcophagi were placed inside mausoleums against a wall or inside a niche, so they were only decorated on the front and the sides, the Sarcophagus with Battle Scene is no different. The Antonine period was a brutal period where “Germanic tribes breached Rome’s weekend defenses along the upper Danube frontier, triggering the so-called Marcomannic Wars.” A constant theme that became prevalent in official art was that of victory. As many battles were fought, “conquest were commemorated by triumphal arches and monumental columns were erected in Rome to celebrate the military achievements.”

Judgement

I respect the time period in which the sarcophagus was made. It was a dangerous time and constant war was raged, but there was also outstanding pieces of artwork. I am a Marine veteran and fought in Afghanistan and I respect the ideals and honoring of people that show great acts of heroism or bravery or that just live the life of a soldier. It’s not easy, it’s a hard life that not everyone can do. And this relief sculpture really does pay respects to the dead with the depiction of battle with regards to how a warrior or soldier lived. I would be honored to be placed in something like this as my final resting place.

Citations

https://www.metmusuem.org/toah/hd_rsar.htm