I would like to initiate with a brief introduction about the exhibition by saying that Art History is fascinating to me, as it has given me a full spectrum of Art styles. Thanks to historical exhibitions I fulfill my need to learn about world wide art. In addition I believe that learning about Beginnings of Art helps understand modern Art best as the artist sees the development and gets inspired by it.
I have a vast desire to travel to Rome, Italy. I decided to explore a little bit about Roman history before entering its world. I anxiously attended an exquisite exhibition titled, Pompeii and the Roman Villa- Art and Culture around The Bay of Naples at The National Gallery of Art located in Washington, DC. The rediscovery of Pompeii and the Roman Villa started a movement called Neoclassicism. This movement embarked on a positive response to the rediscovery of the value and esthetic of the Greco-Roman Classical Civilizations of antiquity. It is a style of art and architecture which emerged in the mid 18th Century and held dominant sway until the very end of the 19th Century. Part of a general revival of interest in classical cultures, neoclassicism was characterized by the utilization of themes and styles most often reflecting The Pompeian Period.
Pompeian Art exhibited an amazing, elegant and richly beautiful quality which was both sensual and evocative. There were loads of elements in the exhibit. It was the type of exhibition when one doesn’t know where to start as everything looked so pretty. The exhibition was introduced with big colorful displays on the walls. I was delighted by the richness of color, the elegant and historical tones set by the style.
As I continued browsing, I discovered that ancient Romans and I have something in common; we have a special love for gardens and appreciation for nature. It was not hard to realize that gardens were a priority to Pompeii. I stayed in the garden room for a long time. I couldn’t help it; the detail on every piece was incredible. Everything looked sophisticated like it was meant to be for a high society of people. So when I learn that even the most modest of homes had a garden of some sort; I liked it even more. Even in smaller spaces were gardens couldn’t be planted, people instead used elaborate paintings of delicate fauna and flora.
This was just the beginning of my adventure in heaven…In the gardens there were diversely shaped fountains, paintings of peacocks (which is a fashion icon today), people’s faces done in relief or inlays, all sort of plants and flowers, mythological Greek images and animal portraits and depictions made of bronze or marble. Yes! There were a lot of elements displayed in the garden, however it wasn’t overwhelming to stare at. With their garden tradition, the Pompeian aimed to make them places to learn, a place to contemplate and share in a manner similar to modern libraries, living rooms and parlors. The Pompeian people attempted with compelling success, to imitate the venues of the famous philosophers in the privacy and immediacy of their own backyards. For this reason, they frequently placed pictures of the Greek thinkers to prompt further philosophical discussions.
The second room that I discovered was the dinning room, once again a master piece of grace and style. The room was decorated with frescos on the walls; paintings of mythology gods. The good aesthetic of the room evoked an intellectual atmosphere, almost but not quite in the realm of the gardens. I learned that they frequently had 3 couches placed about for people to recline while eating and most importantly a garden view for guests to enjoy. Green is one of the most peaceful colors to contemplate; so what could be better to get inspired by a green landscape. The furniture in the living room was often of white marble. The richly designed furniture was heavily detailed on mythological animal figures. Marble sculptures were an addition found within every home during the Pompeian period. Silver cups for wine made with delicate reliefs, depicted family myths or etched scenes.
Neoclassicism people focused on learning and imitating techniques and style similar to those being unearthed at Pompeii; therefore; painting highlighted historic subject matter. Such works represented higher themes and were characterized by rigidity, monumentality, civic messages, honesty and devotion to duty. Paintings had bold and brilliant colors with great reliance on the powerful juxt-a-positioning of lights and darks found in the technique of chiaroscuro. Throughout Neoclassicism, art was also revived through mosaics and pottery painting. An amazing example of a Neoclassic painting is David’s Oath of the Horati, which was created in the 18th century. This image portrays the heroic figures, long drapery, chiaroscuro, sharp color, ancient roman garbs, sandals, and the classical curly hair common to people of the day.
During my observation, I felt like I was in a castle. I noticed that people were very quite while in the dinning room but they were more conversational while in the garden. I believe that the garden’s design evokes people to talk like they used to do during the Pompeian era.
