Augustus of Prima Porta and Iphigenia’s Sacrifice: Roman Art
Sculpture in Roman Art
The Romans greatly admired sculpture. There was even a literary genre consisting of a description of artworks, known as *ekphrasis*, such as those by Pliny the Elder. The portrait is a significant contribution to Roman sculpture. There are equestrian portraits, group portraits, standing portraits, busts, and more. Materials used include marble, stone, and bronze.
The Roman portrait has three roots:
- Etruscan tombs
- The realism of Greek Hellenism
- The funerary mask and images of ancestors
The
Read MoreRoman Architecture: Temples and the Colosseum
Ara Pacis: A Monument to Peace
The Ara Pacis, an altar constructed in 13 BC, stands as a testament to Roman artistry. While many historical reliefs from this period depict warfare, the Ara Pacis uniquely celebrates peace, commemorating the end of the wars in Gaul and Spain. The central theme is a procession featuring the imperial family, judges, senators, and priests, all making offerings at the altar of Augustan Peace. Rome is personified as a woman. The altar is enclosed by a nearly rectangular
Read MoreThe Poetic Innovations of Luis de Góngora and His Contemporaries
Luis de Góngora
In popular tradition, classical or Petrarchan, Góngora created the most innovative poetic language of the time. His production was difficult and minority-led, resulting in both rejection and fiery polemics, as well as admiration and followers.
Poetry
Minor art and poetry of Petrarch’s poetry:
Worse luck minor art: letrillas, romances, and, above all, satirical and burlesque works.
Sonnets: Themes of love and encouragement to enjoy the Petrarchan line, although they were amended by the
Read MoreDon Juan Manuel and La Celestina: Literary Analysis
Don Juan Manuel’s El Conde Lucanor
El Conde Lucanor, a book by Don Juan Manuel, has gained significant fame. It consists of 51 stories, reasoning, and 100 proverbs, with the aim of providing doctrine. The moral part is of great interest, as the 51 examples have a clear moral-didactic intention. In El Conde Lucanor, the author presents fictional stories through the dialogue between Count Lucanor and his advisor Patronio, who is asked for advice. The structure is as follows: the narrator introduces
Read MoreLatin Terms: Military, Daily Life, and Bathing
Military Terms
- Arma-orum: Weapons
- Caligae-arum: Soldier’s shoes
- Centuria-ae: Century
- Centurio-onis: Centurion
- Cingulum-i: Belt
- Commeatus-us: Food
- Equitatus-us: Cavalry
- Exercitus-us: Army
- Fascia-ae: Tape
- Fibula-ae: Needle
- Fossa-ae: Ditch
- Germania-ae: Germania
- Impedimentum-i: Impediment
- Lorica-ae: Armor
- Mos-moris: Custom
- Peditatus-us: Infantry
- Pilum-i: Spear
- Porta-ae: Door
- Sagum-i: Cape
- Sarcina-ae: Load
- Scutum-i: Shield
- Soror-sororis: Sister
- Tentorium-i: Tent
- Vallum-i: Fencing
- Vitis-is: Vine shoot
Verbs
- Defendo: Defend
- Do: Give
- Fero:
Pedro Salinas: Life, Works, and the Generation of ’27
Pedro Salinas: Life and Work
Pedro Salinas: Pedro Salinas studied law, philosophy, and letters, and devoted his life to university teaching. He married Margarita Bonmatí in 1915. Salinas wrote a love letter to her every day, which was reflected in his epistolary love letters to Margarita. In 1918, Salinas became a professor at the University of Seville. He was later appointed professor at the Central School of Languages, where he met an American student named Katherine. She became the subject of
Read More