How do I know that a work of art sculpture is Roman or Grecian?

Answer 1

All the above answers are incorrect. Roman sculpture is not more refined, and there are classical Greek statues with clothes, as there are Roman naked sculptures, which are often copies of Greek ones. It is however easy for experts to discern one from the other, based on the fact that in the roman era sculptures are more expressive and naturalistic (faces have the distinctive features of a specific person, even deformations), whereas classical sculptures are idealistic, they are accurate in their anatomy etc., but they depict perfection, an idealist image of the person depicted. The form of the clothes is also different, they are richer in Roman sculptures. Finally, the Roman carving is less perfect, less "classical", and the style is more "baroque" or has more decorated taste.

Answer 2

I agree with cpinatsi. As for myself, I've been to enough museums and I've seen enough sculpture, that I have become pretty adept at identifying which is Greek and which is Roman. I just sort of developed an instinct for it, but cpinatsi actually put it into words. Thanks!!!!

Answer 3

I would say based on my impression, that Roman sculpture is more refined in details and somewhat stylized. In fact, the difference is quite obvious even to the eye of the non-expert person.
Greek sculpture is more crude as to constructional details but of exquisite beauty all the same. Besides on the Greek side there are the different styles from early Cyclic and Mycenaean era to the newer Noe-classical one and later era.
Certain few pieces are of questionable origin and attributed to both cultures which goes to show that at some point the techniques used were of equal expertise level.

Answer 4

Greek art is lacking in appendages. Roman art copies the Greek art. And remember, "If it's green, it's Byzantine!"

Answer 5

in roman statues, the people will be clad in clothing, whereas in greek statues, they will be naked. the greeks loved the body and body form and therefore did not want to obstruct it with clothing in their statues.