Useless Building Decoration
TITLE
‘Decorating buildings served no purpose.’ How far do you agree with this statement
ESSAY
Title: The Purpose of Decorating Buildings in Classical Studies
Introduction:
Decorating buildings in classical studies has been a significant aspect of ancient architecture, serving various purposes ranging from functional to symbolic. This essay will explore the statement "Decorating buildings served no purpose," by examining the importance of sculptural decoration in three prominent types of buildings: Triumphal Arches, Temples, and Amphitheatres.
Triumphal Arches:
Triumphal Arches are structures that heavily rely on sculptural decoration to convey historic events and honor the triumphs of the individuals they were dedicated to. The example of the Arch of Titus showcases how the relief sculptures depict the victory in the Jewish war and celebrate the apotheosis of Titus. In this context, the sculptural embellishments serve the purpose of immortalizing important moments in history and glorifying the achievements of the honored individual.
Temples:
In contrast to Triumphal Arches, Temples primarily rely on sculptural decoration to glorify the gods they are dedicated to. The sculptural adornments on temples play a crucial role in portraying the divine nature of the deities and creating a sacred atmosphere within the sacred space. For instance, the Pantheon’s attic section would have been adorned with sculptures to elevate the spiritual significance of the temple and pay homage to the gods worshipped within.
Amphitheatres:
While Amphitheatres like the Colosseum prioritize practicality in their design, sculptural embellishments such as engaged columns serve to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the structure. In addition to aesthetic considerations, buildings like the Colosseum were also utilized as propaganda tools by the emperors, necessitating impressive decoration to showcase power and grandeur. The decorative elements in Amphitheatres contribute to the overall visual impact and reinforce the symbolism associated with the architectural form.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the statement "Decorating buildings served no purpose" overlooks the multifaceted roles that sculptural decoration plays in classical architecture. While functionality and practicality are essential considerations in building design, decoration serves a vital purpose in conveying historical narratives, honoring individuals, glorifying deities, and enhancing the visual impact of architectural structures. By exploring examples from Triumphal Arches, Temples, and Amphitheatres, it is evident that sculptural decoration significantly contributes to the richness and meaning of classical buildings, making it an integral aspect of architectural design and interpretation.
SUBJECT
CLASSICCAL STUDIES
LEVEL
A level and AS level
NOTES
Decorating buildings served no purpose. How far do you agree with this statement?
In your answer, you should consider at least three buildings that you have studied. There is no ‘right’ answer to this question and the conclusion reached by candidates will, to a large extent, depend upon the examples that they choose to include.
Expect candidates to give examples of both where the decoration makes a difference and where it does not. They may include some of the following buildings:
💥 Triumphal Arches – these are the primary structures for this question as on these the sculpture is a vital part of the structure. The relief on the Arch of Titus depicts the very reason that the arch was dedicated to him in the first place. (His victory in the Jewish war and also celebrates his apotheosis.)
💥 Baths – here the functionality of the building is more important than sculptural decoration as the building had a specific use. Often baths were elaborate and included statues, marble etc., but sculptural decoration was of secondary importance.
💥 Amphitheatres – in the Colosseum the design is about practicality. However, candidates may mention the use of engaged columns that served no functional purpose but enhanced the look of the building. The building was also a piece of propaganda for the Flavian emperors and as such it was important that the building looked impressive.
💥 Theatres – a building where it was more important that the architecture was correct – the seating, stage and orchestra all had to be properly constructed. Decoration was of secondary importance. However at the theatre in Leptis Magna there is a bisellia with lion’s paws. There are also numerous statues (133 have currently been identified) including one of Ceres Augusta as well as many inscriptions.
💥 Temples – Here the sculptural decoration is of crucial importance as the building served to glorify the god or gods it was dedicated to. For example, the attic section of the Pantheon would have been decorated with sculpture.