From triumphal arches to souvenirs, and from tombstones to public portraits, ancient Romans excelled in the art of commemoration. Focusing on a different kind of monument each week, we will explore how Romans negotiated power through designs and dedications. In light of current debates about contested memorials, we will analyze ancient precedents for destroying or rewriting dedications to condemned emperors. We will also ask how modern commissions, such as New York's Washington Square Arch, draw on the authority of antiquity. Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of how monuments work and how the Roman Empire's monuments still shape how we commemorate today.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: Prior coursework in Art History or Classical Civilization recommended.

Instructor: Cassibry

Distribution Requirements: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: