What is the Artist Communicating?
The emperor Hadrian created the most awesome of Rome’s building to communicate three themes. The Pantheon communicates that Rome is supreme, honor for the gods, and inclusive. The word when broken down means all religion or gods. The Parthenon is confused with the Pantheon but the first is only dedicated Athena. The Pantheon differs again because it is a closed temple. Altars were built for every Olympic God. The oculus at the top of God was used for building purposes but also to let the gods in. The gods would be able to see everything happening the temple. These features honor the gods. 
The Pantheon is a symbol of Rome’s dominance and fall. The Pantheon is an awe-inspiring feature of Rome but after it was built Rome declined. Hadrian gathered the best architects and engineers of the time to produce the Pantheon. Many researchers believe that the engineers wanted to build the portico higher. However, leaders supposedly pressured Hadrian to complete it so it only went to the height today. The Pantheon was built at the height and nothing was seen like it before or after. The dominance of the building shows Rome’s dominance.
Another theme shown by Hadrian was inclusive. Rome’s conquerors were ruthless in their wars but after conquering they shared Roman culture but let the citizens share their own identity. This inclusion was a prominent belief in Rome. The Pantheon was no exception. The round dome symbolizes a place for all to worship. Pan means all even. The Parthenon has pilgrims pray outside of the altars but the Pantheon opens its doors for all those who want to pray.
Why is it Beautiful?
The Pantheon is building meant for gods and seems to have been built by the gods. Michelangelo is quoted on the design “Angelic and not human design.” The Pantheon has stumped archeologists and architects for centuries. The Pantheon displays Rome’s organization and mental prowess. The temple has suffered from major cracks in the dome but still functions unimpaired. The building was built without reinforced steel rods which have become a requirement of all buildings. The building has withstood centuries of decay and erosion without the basic modern technology we hold essential. The building is a work of art! The design is similar to many other temples but the magnitude is far greater. The awesome magnitude astounds onlookers to this day.
The carving on the outside is a tip of the hat to different ancient designs. The columns on the portico, the front of the building, are carved similar to Tuscan, Doric, and Corinthian. The Romans combined those styles as decorations as a symbol of Pan or all. These features add to the symbolism of the inclusive theme of the building.
The inside of the building is an example of Roman drama. Different types of light drop into the Rotunda to show beautiful images.
What is the Context?
Before the Pantheon was built there was a building for Marcus Agrippa. So when Hadrian funded the project and potentially the architect carved “dedicated to Agrippa”. The building was also built with the main entrance facing the north to conform to Roman religion. Technology was a huge factor for engineers ability to build the temple.
Concrete and brick was largely used. However, it is unenforced concrete which is not used at all today for the lack of stability. Romans discovered concrete could be manipulated. At the foundation is heavy brick and concrete but as it rises the concrete becomes lighter until the oculus when it is air. The combination of different sands to the concrete would slow the drying process. The ability to create lighter concrete was made possible by combining volcanic rock and concrete because the rock is porous.
Arches have been revolutionary for architecture. The arches disperse weight. The dome is made out of arches turning 180 degrees into the circle of the dome. Arches can be seen inside and outside of the Pantheon. Arches on the wall redistributed the weight to the foundation. Another way to lighten the load was the honeycomb wall design. The builders made voids which produced the honeycomb design. Arches, unenforced concrete, and the Roman’s genius provided Hadrian the ability to produce Rome’s greatest building.
I may be biased because of my love for Latin and therefore all things Roman, but this building is awesome! I love that you choose to write about the Pantheon, your discussion on it was very informative and I feel that I learned so much about this truly great building. I like how it represents the inclusive nature of Roman society, which allowed the people they conquered to partake in Roman culture but still keep their own identities. One specific thing I found extremely interesting was how you said that the Panthoen was built without basic technology that we find essential, and yet it has continued to stand for centuries. This is truly astounding. Your blog post has greatly enhanced my appreciation for this building, thank you!
ReplyDelete