Art
Delve into the vibrant artistic legacy of Roman Britain with our curated reading list on the art of this fascinating period.
Explore a diverse range of scholarly works that illuminate the rich tapestry of artistic expression in Roman Britain, from intricate mosaics and stunning sculptures to magnificent architectural achievements. Uncover the cultural influences that shaped Roman art in Britain, from classical traditions to indigenous styles, and discover how artists adapted and innovated within this unique cultural landscape. Our selection includes in-depth studies of specific artistic genres, as well as broader surveys of artistic production across different regions and periods of Roman rule. Engage with leading experts such as Henig, Laing and Ling, who offer valuable insights into the techniques, motifs, and meanings behind Roman British art. Whether you’re an art historian, archaeologist, or simply a lover of ancient art, our reading list provides a comprehensive guide to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Roman Britain.
General
- Henig, M., The art of Roman Britain, London, 1995.
- Laing, J., Art and Society in Roman Britain, Stroud, 1997.
- Millett, M., Revell, L. & Moore, A.J., The Oxford handbook of Roman Britain, Oxford, 2016, Ch. 29.
Further Reading
- Anderson, A.S., Roman Military Tombstones, Princes Risborough, 1984.
- Coulston, J.C.N., The stone sculptures in Roman Maryport and its setting: essays in memory of Michael G. Jarrett, Maryport, 1997.
- Davey, N. & Ling, R., Wall-painting in Roman Britain, London, 1982.
- Henig, M., Webster, G. & Blagg, T.F.C, Roman sculpture from the Cotswold region with Devon and Cornwall, Oxford, 1993.
- Henig, M., ‘Artistic patronage and the Roman military community in Britain’ in The Roman army as a community: including papers of a conference held at Birkbeck College, University of London on 11-12 January, 1997, Portsmouth RI, 1999, 151-164.
- Huskinson, J., Roman sculpture from Eastern England, Oxford, 1994.
- Johnson, P., Romano-British mosaics, Princes Risborough, 1995.
- Ling, R., ‘The Seasons in Romano-British Mosaic Pavements’ in Britannia Vol.14, 1983, 13-22.
- Ling, R., ‘Mosaics in Roman Britain: Discoveries and Research since 1945’ in Britannia Vol.28, 1997, 259-295.
- Neal, D.S., Roman mosaics in Britain: an introduction to their schemes and a cataloge of paintings, London, 1981.
- Phillips, E.J., ‘Unfinished Roman sculptures in North Britain’ in Archaeological Journal Vol.133, 1976, 50-56.
- Scott, S., ‘A Theoretical Framework for the Study of Romano–British Villa Mosaics’ in Theoretical Roman Archaeology Journal Vol.91, 1993, 103-114.
- Smith, D.J., ‘The mosaic pavements’ in The Roman villa in Britain, London, 1969, 71-125.
- Toynbee, J.M.C., Art in Roman Britain, London, 1962.
- Toynbee, J.M.C., Art in Britain under the Romans, London, 1964.
- Witts, P., ‘Mosaics and Room Function: The Evidence from Some Fourth-Century Romano-British Villas’ in Britannia Vol.31, 2000, 291-324.
