This course will investigate the visual culture of ancient Rome and its territories from the
emergence of Augustus as sole leader of the empire in 31 B.C. to death of the emperor
Constantine in A.D. 337.  In the course we will explore the full repertoire of Roman artistic
production, including architecture, sculpture, painting, and so-called "minor arts."   Issues of
artistic style, production technique, patronage, and function will be examined in order to
reconstruct both how works of art operated within the fabric of Roman society and how they
appeared to the ancient Roman viewer. The relationship between the art of Rome and that of its
forerunners, neighbors, and provinces will also be addressed, as will the influence of Roman
artistic forms in later art historical periods.  The course will be organized as a series of lectures
and discussions, punctuated by several "closer look" sessions, in which we will explore a single
monument or theme from a variety of viewpoints.