Art History 310RL - Roman Luxury

The conquest of the Mediterranean introduced a spectacular array of precious materials, flora, and fauna into Rome, and wealthy homeowners spared no expense in collecting and displaying exotica and virtuoso feats of artistry, many accomplished by captive Greeks. The seminar explores patterns of consumption in houses, villas, and sanctuaries in the late Republic and early Empire, and how they were sustained by slave labor, political affiliations, and land ownership. Focus will be on spring exhibition at Smith College, "Leisure and Luxury in the Age of Nero", and on original works of art in our own museum.

Prereq: Courses in art history, classics, or ancient history.