ancient roman sculpture

Sculptors and stonemasons were hired to make statues for public buildings and private villas. Statues were originally brightly painted, but the paint has now warn off. Gods, goddesses, animals, and portraits of real people were common subjects.

This portrait of the Emperor Titus was part of a full-length sculpture that showed him commanding everyone to look up to him by looking stern and mighty. It was made to show his power and importance. Statues of emperors were put up all over the empire as a reminder that the Romans were in control.

Commemorative statues

There was great demand for commemorative statues. They were placed in public squares, halls, or temples. Some were put on top of commemorative columns. Most were of emperors and other important people, symbolizing victory and power. Roman sculptors had learned from Greek sculptors how to show draped material over what appears to be a living body. They enjoyed the challenge of creating realistic looking fabric hanging in folds on the body, as well as realistic looking faces. Along with statues in armor, these portrait statues were grand and lifelike reminders of their rulers to the citizens of the Roman Empire.

Scenes from everyday life Roman artists also carved details from daily life. Often these were made for sarcophagi (stone coffins) or tombstones to tell stories of a dead person's life. These relief carvings show scenes like mothers bathing their babies, people working or relaxing, or wedding ceremonies. They all seem natural looking and relaxed. They also give us a wonderful insight into everyday Roman life.

This relief probably decorated a Roman butcher's shop.
The butcher is chopping meat on a block. You can see other kinds of meat hanging on hooks above. Notice the little details that the artist has included, such as the pulley and rope, and the folds of the butcher's toga.