The Houses of Roman Italy, 100 B.C.-A.D. 250: Ritual, Space, and Decoration
John R. Clarke
In this richly illustrated book, art historian John R. Clarke helps us see the ancient Roman house 'with eyes'. presents a range of houses, from tenements to villas, and shows how enduring patterns wall decoration tellingly bear cultural, religious, social imprints people who lived with them. case studies seventeen excavated guides through four centuries painting, mosaic, stucco decoration, period 'Four Styles' (100 B.C. A.D. 79) mid- third century. The First Style Samnite House its debt public architecture in clear integration private spaces. Villa Oplontis asserts extravagant cultural climate Second Style. Gem-like Third-Style rooms Lucretius Fronto reflect refinement elegance Augustan tastes. Vettii brothers' climbing explain overburdened Fourth-Style their famous house. And evidence remodelling leads conclude that Jupiter Ganymede became gay hotel second his emphasis on spiritual dimensions, offers contribution architectural history is both original accessible general reader. book's superb photographs not only support author's findings but help preserve an legacy fast succumbing modern deterioration resulting pollution vandalism.
Art Bulletin