The Greeks (and then the Romans) made more than just handsome, masculine sculptures. They decorated their homes (and themselves) with beautifully-crafted works of art. Today, we'll share some of these items which we encountered in the Greco-Roman galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Greek influence (called "Hellenization") was widespread. It spread in three distinct ways. First, the Greeks conquered many areas, physically moved-in, and asserted their culture through the subsequent colonization. Second, Greek artworks were sold, imported or traded to far-flung lands—even those which the Greeks did not colonize. These artworks had a strong influence on the aesthetics of the importing lands. And third, people like the Romans fueled "Greek Revivals" of Hellenistic art, culture, philosophy and social institutions. The Ancient Greeks were held-up as the model of a good and sophisticated society.
Southern Italy (and Sicily) were "settled" by the Greeks, who built important and successful cities like Neopolis (Naples), Agrigento and Syracuse. This expanding frontier was called Magna Græcia ("Great Greece"). These colonial outposts, though Hellenized and tied to Athens, adapted the Greek art and culture to suit the local convention.
The Greek-influenced mosaic floor panel, shown above, was originally laid in Pompeii, Italy, in the First Century BC. At the center of the panel is the head of Medusa. Though this Greek villainess was loathed and feared, it was believed that, by placing her image in the home, the real gorgon would be repelled. Pompeii (and this floor mosaic) were buried by Vesuvius in 79 AD. It laid, forgotten and undisturbed, for over 1600 years.
Shown above is a terracotta plate from Attica, the large mainland peninsula which includes Athens. It was made in Sixth Century Greece. The classic red and white style hand-painted image portrays a youth astride a rooster, which he strokes. While the meaning is not certain, it may be a humorous allusion to a bawdy theme—possibly a suggestive, romantic reference.
A laurel wreath was a symbol of virtue, honor and accomplishment. This Greek Fourth Century gold wreath was likely part of a larger whole. It would have been placed upon the deceased head of an honored nobleman—somewhere in the Mediterranean region or along the Black Sea.
Magna Græcia included Sicily and parts of the Southern Italian peninsula. This large and voluptuous terracotta flask ("askos") was made in the Fourth Century BC in Daunia, the mountainous Greco-Italian region inland from Naples.
While this Roman carved porphyry bath tub is unadorned, it is, nevertheless, extravagant, handsome and impressive. It was made in the Second Century AD. It would have been used in an imperial Roman bath. Porphyry, which was expensive and difficult to quarry (and transport), was associated with royalty. Its purplish color reinforced this association.
This whimsical terracotta mug bears the form of a woman's head. It is hand-painted in the classic color scheme. It was made in Attica, mainland Greece, in the Sixth Century.
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