Depictions of Enemies of the Roman State

Conference Year

January 2019

Abstract

This project explores the iconographical meaning of the colored marble used in depictions of foreigners and as the Romans called them barbarians. We can see examples of these images dotted throughout the empire and frequently juxtaposed underneath triumphant rulers. Though we are used to classical statues being made of bright white marble, the images discussed here were made of marble naturally rich in color. The goal is to find out why.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

William Mierse

Status

Undergraduate

Student College

College of Arts and Sciences

Program/Major

Art History

Primary Research Category

Arts & Humanities

Abstract only.

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Depictions of Enemies of the Roman State

This project explores the iconographical meaning of the colored marble used in depictions of foreigners and as the Romans called them barbarians. We can see examples of these images dotted throughout the empire and frequently juxtaposed underneath triumphant rulers. Though we are used to classical statues being made of bright white marble, the images discussed here were made of marble naturally rich in color. The goal is to find out why.