ROMAN ANTIQUITIES at the Metropolitan Museum

Speranza

THE ART OF IMPERIAL ROME assumed an important role as state propaganda.

One could experience the presence of the emperor in all aspects of daily life.

His portrait was ubiquitous, appearning on honorific statues, on commemorative monuments, such as triumphal arches and columns, and on coins.

Baths and aqueducts were often build under imperial patronage, promoting ROMAN VALUES and social mores to the diverse peoples of the EMPIRE.

Impressive ruins of such buildings still survive in many parts of the Mediterranean, including of course ROMA itself!

Roman forms of public entertainment were also adopted enthusiastically throughout the provinces and amphitheatres for gladiatorial and animal fights and circuses for chariot races became a common sight in cities and towns across the Empire.

Such spectacles inspired a host of artistic representations, from BRONZE AND MARBLE STATUES honouring victorious contestants to inexpensive, mass-produced souvenirs in glass and terracota.