Art reflects the society that creates it. Sculpture as one component of art is very valuable for it can supply information on the development of a societies’ culture. Sculpture can assist in describing social life of a particular community by physical representation of ideals and ideas of civilization.
Through their sculpture, pottery and temples Greeks art emphasized the accomplishment and importance of human beings. Mostly Greek art was created in honor of gods which were created in human images for example the statue of Apollo belvedere. The Roman art concentrated on decoration of personages who were crowned heroes in various disciplines for example Aulus Metellus . Most of the art was government sponsored with intention of public display found in different parts of the city. Therefore, architecture and art was a major source of pride which explains why statues were mostly set on high-altitude (parts of cities set aside for palaces or temples where political meetings and religious ceremonies took place).Both sculptures portray mature males. By focusing on their dress and posture, they depict a background of the artwork. Both pieces share a similar style putting into consideration that they were made different ages apart. It is easy to recognize ancient Greek style and classical realism from the two sculptures. Similar technique of carving has been used in the presentation of expressions of faces and the outline of the folds on clothes. Both sculptures assume a natural standing posture. The Romans learnt the art of sculpture mostly from Greeks and helped in transmitting Greek art to later ages. Both sculptures are in the group category of Classical art.Major differences are observable between Roman and Greek style according to details. Roman style doesn't have any religious connection. Although it is hard to draw a conclusion from the style of the two models, themes provide enough information. Apollo Belvedere depicts Apollo (sun-god in Greek mythology) while Aulus Metellus portrays a mortal- we can conclude reasonably that he is a politician.
The Greek model emphasizes Apollo’s' strong and athletic figure while the Roman sculpture stresses the orator's social class by his mod of dressing. Apollo wears only a cloak, while the orator has a gown covering most of his body.Each figure distinctively can exemplify its culture. Apollo the sun-god sculpture impresses the viewer by his elegant temperament and firm muscles. Although the sculpture is in a way damaged and mutilated, Apollo's mien and gesture are charming. In Greek mythology, the sun-god was good in archery, and, so the sculpture depicts him drawing his bow. The artist presents his knowledge of gods and male beauty by carefully portraying the nude body. In Greeks mythology god's bodies are depicted as humans possessing perfect physical hence making the border between god and mortal vague at times. Apollo as a god is praised by portraying his faultless body and manhood. The Orator (Roman sculpture) body physic has no emphasis on the athletic strength. As a politician, his social status is presented by his dressing that means he must have been powerful and wealthy. Most probably the sculpture might have been ordered by himself or his supporters for his decoration or a monument to honor him for a heroic deed during his reign.It's clear that politics and political personages were paramount and respected in Roman culture and society. The artist has meticulously focused on the model's appearance when in public gathering making a speech with one hand outstretched. He has also carefully inscribed his name on the dress so that any visitor can identify the model's name. The pause expresses persuasiveness and authority. Social position, money and popularity were very significant factors that have affected the subject of this artwork.Culture comparison Ancient Greece art and architecture has enormously influenced the culture from the historical time up to the present mostly in architecture and sculpture. Greeks had a great love of; beauty, religion and nationalism. Most of the sculptors had interest in portraying gods. Therefore, they emphasized on portrayal of ideal beauty, instead of particular individuals. Most of their sculptures had godlike features. Greek religious culture and belief in their mythical gods took center stage in every aspect of art work. For models they chose young athletes (Greeks rarely wore clothes when practicing sports and so the sculptures were able to observe their strong bodies in every pose). Greek culture embraced noble act, and heroism was highly praised. Greek society portrays its culture as one with strong social structure guided by the moral and ethics of their gods. From early times, Greek art had an influence on Romans, later on the two artistic styles became interwoven and were inseparable. Romans were able to instill their practical dominating ego especially in their culture even though most of their artistic forms were from Greece. Roman art never expressed emotions or noble ideas as for ostentation and decoration. Romans lacked great imagination though they did show originality by producing realistic portraits statues. Their statues were mostly for decorating emperors and famous statesmen and expression of military strength. Greek culture existed for a long time before the Roman culture did. When Romans conquered Greece they adopted its culture for example religion, and so explain the similarity in artwork and culture. Greeks and Romans shared religion and gods but with different names. Greek religion was more joy free and artistic as depicted by their sculptures while Roman religion was more conservative and serious. Roman political structure was more defined and strong as compared to that of Greece; this is depicted in their portraits attributes of rulers and politicians which emphasized on their military strength and authority. Greek generals and statesmen were given supernatural traits and physically idealized, whereas, Roman sculptures of emperors and everyday people portrayed physical quirks and visible expressions that made them more human and real instead of trying to show the ideal look. Despite Romans having spectacular military triumphs, they felt that their culture was inferior as compared to that of Greek. They ended up recycling Greek artistic format at every opportunity.
Romans believed in strong family and inheritance culture. Among the ruling class it was a fashion that family portraits be sculptured in order to show lineage of predecessors. Also monuments were built as commemoration of victories they had won and sculptures of heroes or great generals were built.
Works cited:
Stokstad and Cothren. Art history. Pearson Education, 2013. Print.
