What are some of the values of Roman and Gothic art, and how do the two differ?

For many years, Roman art was considered work "borrowed"
or copied from the Greeks. However, with further analysis more
recently...

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Roman art is a highly creative
href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pastiche">pastiche relying
heavily on Greek models but also encompassing Etruscan, native Italic, and even Egyptian
visual culture.

The
characteristics of Roman art are "stylistic eclecticism" and "practical application."
Casting in bronze became popular, adopted from the Etruscans, and the statues created
were life-sized. Depicted were gods and heroes. Painting was first represented in
landscapes that had been conquered by the Romans. In conquering Greece, art forms from
that region spread throughout Rome. Ultimately, frescoes would become a part of Roman
art.

On the other hand, Gothic art is different. First of
all, it is much "newer" than Roman art. It flourished toward the end of the Middle Ages.
While it appeared in the mid-1100s, it continued on into the late 15th century, and even
into the 16th century in some places.

Early Gothic art was
found on the walls of cathedrals and abbeys, telling pictorial stories from the Old and
New Testaments, as well as saints lives. Pictures of the Virgin Mary moved away from the
Byzantine "iconic" form to a woman who was portrayed with more human characteristics,
including those of an affectionate and loving
mother.

Secular art also found its place during this time
as the world grew smaller through trade, the use of money, and a
new emerging middle class. Sculpture and architecture appears before painting. There is
no clear "break" from Romanesque art to the Gothic styles. Ultimately, the subjects of
Gothic painting…

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…became more animated in pose and facial
expression...

These figures
were smaller in comparison to the scenes in which they were set, and the scenes provided
more "space."

The main differences seem to be that Roman
art owed a great deal to the art of other countries though an influx connected to the
Roman Empire's ability to "acquire" new territories. However, Gothic art spread
throughout Europe, and was adopted and changed based upon the artistic patterns present
in those places. In some locations, it never took hold, while in others it was accepted
and evolved on its own.

Roman art reflected the culture's
beliefs in Roman gods and the exploits of great heroes. Gothic art began with a
concentration on the religious beliefs of the Church in Europe at a much later
date.