The Sperlonga statuary – A case study of tactical landscape design in imperial Rome
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Deborah Chatr Aryamontri
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:29 PM
Description
With the death of Augustus in 14 CE, the Roman emperor Tiberius, his chosen successor, began an era of dynastic succession that required new art and architecture to link the emperor to his predecessors and establish inherited power. To reinforce his connection to the past and assert his rule, Tiberius commissioned numerous portraits, monuments, and smaller dynastic artworks, blending Augustan imagery with Classical Greek influences. He also oversaw the construction of monumental structures, such as Rome's first palace and expansive villas outside the city. Among these projects was his villa in Sperlonga, located on Italy’s southwestern coast, between Rome and Naples. This paper examines the tactical landscape design employed by Tiberius at the grotto within his villa at Sperlonga. It explores how the statuary placement and surrounding environment were carefully designed to create visual and thematic connections between nature, architecture, and cultural narratives. We discuss how this deliberate design enhanced the aesthetic experience for guests while reinforcing Tiberius' status as the Augustan dynastic heir. Finally, we highlight ongoing research into the art and design of the Sperlonga statuary and its role in reinforcing imperial authority.
The Sperlonga statuary – A case study of tactical landscape design in imperial Rome
With the death of Augustus in 14 CE, the Roman emperor Tiberius, his chosen successor, began an era of dynastic succession that required new art and architecture to link the emperor to his predecessors and establish inherited power. To reinforce his connection to the past and assert his rule, Tiberius commissioned numerous portraits, monuments, and smaller dynastic artworks, blending Augustan imagery with Classical Greek influences. He also oversaw the construction of monumental structures, such as Rome's first palace and expansive villas outside the city. Among these projects was his villa in Sperlonga, located on Italy’s southwestern coast, between Rome and Naples. This paper examines the tactical landscape design employed by Tiberius at the grotto within his villa at Sperlonga. It explores how the statuary placement and surrounding environment were carefully designed to create visual and thematic connections between nature, architecture, and cultural narratives. We discuss how this deliberate design enhanced the aesthetic experience for guests while reinforcing Tiberius' status as the Augustan dynastic heir. Finally, we highlight ongoing research into the art and design of the Sperlonga statuary and its role in reinforcing imperial authority.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.