Question

How did the purposes of sculpture and painting differ in Roman art?

Answer 1

Roman art is well known for its depth as well as height all over the world. A good amount of the Roman art reflects Greek art, specifically sculpture and paintings. A painting is two dimensional whereas a sculpture is three dimensional. Painting happens on paper through the various colours and sculpture reveals the construction acumen, say for examples- statues.

The prime purpose of sculpture in Roman times was to express divinity and thus Romans were very involved in the making of the Gods' statues. Some of the aspects of this art form was for decorative purpose in homes and yards and open spaces.

The expression of the victories of the emperors was another crucial aspect of sculpture. Throwing a light on history, picturization of funerals, revealing reality and personification of the emotions have been the key attributes and purposes of the Roman sculpture.

Whereas, innovation, experimentation and sophistication were the three immensely significant parameters of the Roman paintings. Birds, animals, mythology, gods and goddesses, everyday life scenarios were emphasised in the Roman paintings.

Erotic representations, the rural life, rivers, nature, mountains, portraits were some of the decisive facets of paintings.

Sexual pleasures and allied aspects, routine life with some sort of leisure and people gambling were also the purposes to be expressed through painting. Political environment as a catalyst was shown in some of the paintings.