The Cost of Art in Ancient Rome: Pricing Statues, Busts, and Paintings

Throughout the grandeur of the Roman Empire, the cost of art was a significant factor in society. Whether it was a monumental statue, a delicate bust, or an ornate painting, each piece of art had its unique price tag. Scholars have extensively studied the economic aspects of art in ancient Rome, providing us with valuable insights into the financial landscape of this period.

Understanding the Pricing of Roman Art

Dr. Richard Duncan-Jones' work, "The Economy of the Roman Empire," offers a compilation of costs for 15 statues. These figures provide us with a glimpse into the astronomical prices of art during this era. Half of the statues mentioned in Duncan-Jones' study cost more than 10,000 sestertii, with one particularly expensive piece costing an astounding 550,000 sestertii. The rest of the statues ranged from 4,000 to a modest 500 sestertii. However, it's essential to note that there is no specific data on the size or material of these statues, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons.

Regulation and Control

Despite the high prices, art in ancient Rome faced regulatory measures aimed at controlling costs. Emperor Diocletian's price edict, enacted in 301 AD, introduced restrictions to mitigate the high cost of living. The edict sought to limit the price of essential goods and services, imposing severe penalties for those who broke the rules. Both buyers and sellers had the potential to face capital punishment for violating the edict, highlighting the stringent measures in place.

Costs Associated with Creating Art

Creating art in ancient Rome required intricate processes and skilled labor. Here, we examine the pricing for various components involved in the creation of a statue, bust, or painting.

Stone Masonry Costs

For those seeking to commission a statue or bust, hiring a skilled stone mason would cost around 50 denarii communes per day. The denarii communes was a standardized monetary unit that could be converted into various currencies, making it a flexible payment option. This labor-intensive process involved sculpting the form and creating the base of the artwork.

Painting Costs

To bring a statue or painting to life through painted detail, the cost would be even higher. Hiring an artist to paint a fresh surface would cost 75 denarii per day, while a wall plasterer specialized in preparing the surface would cost 50 denarii per day. The artist's fee would cover the labor and time needed to produce the intricate and detailed works of art.

Conclusion

The cost of art in ancient Rome was both significant and multifaceted. From the labor-intensive process of stone masonry to the skilled brushstrokes of an artist, each element played a crucial role in the final cost. While specific details may vary, regulators like Emperor Diocletian ensured that the cost of living, including art, remained within certain limits, even if these limits were strictly enforced.

Understanding the pricing of art in ancient Rome provides valuable context for appreciating the true value of these artworks. Whether in the form of a grand statue or a delicate painting, the cost reflects not only the labor and material but also the cultural and economic significance of art in the Roman Empire.