Western Civilization I: Art during the Roman Empire

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Art during the Roman Empire
1. Art Interpretation
Page 102
I see a man seemingly having difficulty or in pain. The contours of his muscles and hair are very finely sculpted. You can see the veins in his feet and arms in detail. The artist wants us to have empathy and compassion for the man who appears to be having difficulty in his health and undergoing emotional depression. When I read the caption I realized that my impression was close to the message of the caption. Considering the "otherness" of Celtics from the Romans and considering that the Gauls are treated as barbarians, Hellenistic philosophy as inspired by this art manifests the capacity to look beyond differences in race and culture and look at the universality of what it means to be human. Thus Rome became an advanced culture because to be Roman transcends the narrow provincial boundaries of birthplace. In this sense, any human being can achieve the status of being a Roman citizen.
Page 109
I see two lovers finely sculpted in a loving half embrace. Their bodies are artistically covered with a blanket but it appears that they are both naked inside. They are very much in love as they look upon each other with tenderness. Upon reading the caption, it was only then that I realized that the sculpture was a cover for a tomb of the couple. This kind of art represents a love that is eternal and continues even in death. Roman art was able to capture the intricacies of human emotion that can even continue beyond the grave. This means that their culture was advanced enough to capture the depth and height of human emotion that can even transcend death itself.
Page 120
The sculpture depicts a magnificent warrior who is almost legendary and "god like". The artwork is so finely done that one would wonder if the person is a reincarnation of the Greek gods. Upon reading the caption, I was correct that this sculpture is God like as it is representation of Octavian who is the Princeps or the Augustus himself. This is the highest and the most powerful position in the Roman Empire. This person is comparable to the Pharaoh himself as he is considered as a god. Octavian who holds this title has unlimited power over the life and death of his people.
Page 139
The picture depicts 5 men sharing a meager meal together. They are all pointing to the food in the table. Upon reading the caption, I found out that these are all Christians partaking a communion. The fresco was discovered in a catacomb where there are words inscribed "I join with you in love". Romans might interpret this as an orgy or a gay ritual. During those times, the Romans also charged the Christians of cannibalism because they ate the "body and blood of Christ". This was a gross misinterpretation and a mistaken justification for the persecution of Christians.
Page 186
The two pictures sh...