- Explores the fascinating resonances of landscape scenes as
reflections of Roman social and political developments, including the
growth of the Empire - Essays by 6 distinguished scholars offering
diverse perspectives on landscapes in the art of ancient Rome -
Featuring ancient Roman landscape scenes in a variety of media,
including rarely published works - Accompanies the exhibition Roman
Landscapes: Visions of Nature and Myth from Rome and Pompeii at the San
Antonio Museum of Art (24 February - 21 May 2023) Artists in Roman Italy
created exquisite landscapes that reflect close ties with their
environment, ranging from images of sunny seaside villas and tranquil
country shrines to colorful views of Greece and Egypt. This
groundbreaking volume explores the intimate connections between these
works and ancient Romans' social, political and religious lives. Essays
by six distinguished scholars discuss landscapes in a variety of media
that decorated urban houses and tombs in Rome, Pompeii and Herculaneum
and sumptuous coastal villas on the Bay of Naples. The catalog features
more than 65 wall paintings, marble sculptures, mosaics, and costly
drinking vessels in silver and cameo glass from 100 BC to AD 200,
including rarely seen works from museums and archeological sites in
Italy. Richly illustrated, this timely volume reflects shared human
concerns about control and development of the land, about the competing
demands of wealth and piety, and about preserving natural resources.
