| Description |
1 online resource (xii, 430 pages) : illustrations |
| Contents |
1. An introduction to baths in Rome and methodologies of this study -- 2. The decoration of the baths of Caracalla -- 3. The role of iconographical programs at the baths of Caracalla -- |
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4. The visual experience and reception of the baths of Caracalla -- 5. The power of place : where and why Caracalla's gaths were built -- -- Conclusions |
| Summary |
Across the Roman Empire, ubiquitous archaeological, art historical, and literary evidence attests to the significance of bathing for Romans’ daily routines. Given the importance of bathing to the Roman style of living, imperial patrons enhanced their popular and political stature by endowing eight magnificent baths (the so-called imperial thermae) in the city of Rome between 25 b.c.e. and 315 c.e. This book presents a detailed analysis of the decoration of the best preserved of these bathing complexes, the Baths of Caracalla (inaugurated 216 c.e.). An interdisciplinary approach to the archaeological data, to the textual and visual sources, and to anthropological theories facilitates new understandings of the visual experience of the Baths of Caracalla for a diverse Roman audience and simultaneously elucidates the decoration’s critical role in advancing imperial agendas. This reassessment of one of the most sophisticated examples of architectural patronage in Classical antiquity examines the specific mechanisms through which an imperial patron could use architectural decoration to emphasize his sociopolitical position relative to the thousands of people who enjoyed his benefaction. The case studies addressed herein, ranging from architectural to freestanding sculpture and mosaic, demonstrate that sponsoring monumental baths was hardly an act of altruism. Rather, even while they provided recreation for elite and sub-altern Romans alike, such buildings were concerned primarily with dynastic legitimacy and imperial largess. The unified decorative program—and the messages of imperial power therein—adroitly articulated these themes |
| Notes |
Revision of the author's thesis (doctoral)--New York University, 2013 |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Notes |
Print version record |
| Subject |
Caracalla, Emperor of Rome, 188-217 -- Art patronage
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| SUBJECT |
Caracalla, Emperor of Rome, 188-217 fast |
| Subject |
Baths of Caracalla (Rome, Italy)
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| SUBJECT |
Baths of Caracalla (Rome, Italy) fast |
| Subject |
Decoration and ornament, Architectural -- Rome -- Themes, motives
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Decoration and ornament, Roman -- Themes, motives
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Art and society -- Rome
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ARCHITECTURE -- Interior Design -- General.
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Art and society
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Art patronage
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Decoration and ornament, Architectural -- Themes, motives
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Rome (Empire)
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| LC no. |
2018002763 |
| ISBN |
9780190614805 |
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0190614803 |
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9780190614799 |
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019061479X |
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