Roman Art from the Louvre Educators' Resource Guide

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12 Each god, goddess, and spirit was related to a specific action or purpose. For example, Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, crafts, and industry; and Mercury was the messenger of the gods and the protector of travelers, merchants, and thieves. Religion was a public and communal act. Religious festivals and ceremonies were held in public spaces in order to accommodate the faithful. Smaller scale cult worship and private, household worship were dedicated to minor deities that were deemed personally auspicious. Roman religion was also considered polytheistic because the gods were omnipresent, presiding over all areas of activity. The temple was considered the deity’s dwelling place and was the setting for its cult statue. The most important element in a place of worship was the altar, which was used for sacrifices. In urban planning, the temple, which was often located amid other public buildings, was closely associated with all types of daily activities. Gods and men are said to have inhabited the same time and space in ancient Rome. The calendar listed the various civic activities—military and political activities as well as planting and harvesting schedules—and it was divided between dies fasti (days of the gods) and dies nefasti (days of the earthly realities). The year was highlighted by numerous festivals featuring sacrifices. These frequently culminated in theater or circus games that took place before the eyes of the deity, as represented by a statue brought in by procession. Romans believed that they maintained the world’s equilibrium through their devoutness, which was expressed primarily in their meticulous execution of prescribed rituals. During these rites, each citizen created special ties with the gods; the gods in turn took part in all civic activities. During divination rites, Romans sought to obtain assistance from the gods in making important decisions. When an animal was sacrificed, the portion that was burned on the altar was reserved for the deity, with mortals consuming the rest during a banquet. The faithful could also communicate with gods through offerings of food, wine, flowers, personal objects, and even portrait figurines. Such offerings were bestowed as gestures of reconciliation, as a sign of thanks, or in fulfillment of a vow.
13 Guide to Roman Gods and Godde sse s Mars The god of war. His attributes are a shield and sword. Mars Wearing a Breastplate, early empire. Provenance unknown. Bronze. Musée du Louvre; Transfer from the Louvre’s Department of Decorative Arts, 1897, formerly in the Lenoir collection (br 667–inv. mnc 2189) Jupiter The king of the gods. His attributes are a thunderbolt and an eagle, which is often positioned at his feet. In Greek mythology, he is known as Zeus, the ruler of Mount Olympus. He is also referred to as Jove. Jupiter, 2nd century A.D. (?). Discovered in Italy. Marble from Paros. Musée du Louvre; Purchased in 1807, formerly in the Borghese collection (ma 24–inv. mr 254; n 1240) Venus The goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Her attributes are a dove and fruit. In Greek mythology, she is known as Aphrodite. Venus from Montagne, late 4th–early 5th century A.D. Discovered in Saint-Georges-de- Montagne, near Bordeaux, France, 1843. White marble. Musée du Louvre; Purchased in 1953 (ma 3537–inv. mnd 2063)
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Page 8 and 9: 6 Ancient Roman Society History of
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Page 43 and 44: 41 Olympiad: The four-year period f
Page 45 and 46: 43 Kleiner, Diane E.E. Roman Sculpt

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