Roman Antiquities

From the days following Julius Caesar to the slow decline over the course of the 4th century, the history of the Roman Empire is captivating. Alongside tales of nefarious Emperors and intriguing matrons stands an incredible heritage of fine and decorative artistic production that is revealed today through ancient Roman antiquities and artifacts.

When Augustus became the first official Emperor of Rome in 27 B.C., he ushered in an era of unprecedented peace that paved the way for advances in art. In addition to a vast visual record in the form of portrait sculpture of the Emperor and his entourage, a diverse field of decorative and luxury arts also emerged. Bejeweled adornments from earrings to necklaces dangled from the décolletages of Rome's most aristocratic ladies. In addition to advancing the field of inset stones, Roman jewelers also developed the practice of intaglio carving and cameo work, which can still be seen today in some surviving examples of miniature carving.

Roman interiors were stocked with wall paintings and sculptures of various scale and in various levels of decoration. From life-size family portraits to miniature household deities, these figures reflected the finessed practice of sculpting during the Roman age. In more intimate spaces, such as a lady's dressing table, fine cast bronze mirrors and dressing sets were de rigeur. All of these artistic pursuits showcase the talent of Roman artisans while also painting a metaphorical picture of life in the ancient Empire, making their acquisition all the more remarkable.

Quick Facts

• The women associated with each respective imperial dynasty typically assumed a unique hairstyle that typified the trends of the day. So elegant were these representations that they often included carved holes in the earlobes for eternal adornment with earrings
• Romans greatly advanced the field of glasswork, creating a rich array of glass pieces. Their renowned iridescent patina was most frequently caused by the environment in which the glass object was enveloped for hundreds of years before discovery
• In addition to loving luxury items, ancient Romans also enjoyed fabulous festivities. The ancient Roman calendar featured more than 100 "feriae," or holidays, around many of which lavish celebrations and art commissions would be planned