ANCIENT ROME (753 BCE-395 CE)
We know that the walls of luxury Roman villas were almost entirely painted, while floors were covered in colourful mosaics which matched the function of their rooms. Sosos of Pergamon became a trendsetter in the first century CE for his ‘unswept floor’ motif, which featured natural elements like shells, animal bones and leaves. Other decorative features included marble panelling, landscapes and oriental influences. Not much was known about Roman paintings until the discovery of the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The volcanic eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE contributed to the preservation of their rich pictorial heritage.
A fresco of Venus and Mars from a house in ancient Pompeii.
MIDDLE AGES (476-1492 CE)
Medieval art served both a decorative and practical function, as the homes of the rich were decorated with tiles and tapestries to insulate the walls. During a devoutly religious time, works were created for monasteries or to illustrate manuscripts – with the Church often playing the role of patron.
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker