A History of Roman Art

by Fred S. Kleiner

A HISTORY OF ROMAN ART is a new authoritative and lavishly-illustrated survey of the art of Rome and the Roman Empire from the time of Romulus to the death of Constantine, presented in its historical, political, and social context. All aspects of Roman art and architecture are treated, including private art and domestic architecture, the art of the Eastern and Western provinces, the art of freedmen, and the so-called minor arts, including cameos, silverware, and coins. The book is divided into four parts-Monarchy and Republic, Early Empire, High Empire, and Late Empire-and traces the development of Roman art from its beginnings in the 8th century BCE to the mid fourth century CE, with special chapters devoted to Pompeii and Herculaneum, Ostia, funerary and provincial art and architecture, and the earliest Christian art.

Genres: History, Art, Nonfiction, Art History, Textbooks

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2006

Reviews

[Overbooked ✎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent textbook covering all aspects of Roman art: architecture, paintings, sculpture, mosaics, etc. The book includes excellent illustrations and useful maps, the descriptions are clear and well referenced throughout the various chapters of the book.

In this revised version, I appreciated the inclusion of a long introductory chapter about Etruscan and Greek colonies of southern Italy and their influence on early Roman art. I would have liked the same level of detail in the latter chapters of the books, about the late imperial period (after the Severan dynasty) through to the age of Constantine which I found a bit too rushed.

[Meghan Hannum · Rating 4 out of 5]

prob the most approachable roman art book that exists. perfectly brief, easy to digest, helped me fill in the gaps in my roman art education. gives good historical context but never overshadows the art history focus.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

kleiner loves his arches

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview of Roman Art. I bought this as a textbook for a class, and it was a very helpful companion to further understand what I was learning in class. I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning about Roman Art and its relation to Roman history.

[Kamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to Roman art with lots of great pictures and illustrations. It's straightforward and easy to read. A good supplement to lectures in an undergraduate course. I only wish that it weren't so expensive to buy.

[Heather Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good.