Student Essay on The Early Roman Empire and Its Art

Following the 12th century B.C., the Roman Empire took an increased interest in creating art. Sculpture, paintings and architecture are discussed, including specific pieces, in relation to their contemporaneous political and cultural significance.

Beginning just after 12bc, the Pax Romana, a two century-long period of peace, was ushered into Rome when Caesar Augustus spread his military rule and enforced the laws in the cities and on the frontier. During this peaceful period, the Romans were able to experiment and advance artistically as well as fill their extra time with the new thoughts of entertainment and leisurely activities.

One of the most notable characteristics in Early Empire Roman art was the emphasis of personal artworks and portraits in both sculpture and painting. The popular imagine bust figures of the Republican era (popular due to the Roman belief that the head alone was a sufficient portrait) were not only used as household traditions, but also to show political standing, wealth, values, and heroism through the placement of certain representative objects. The same.....