The version employed in more decorative positions
No. 237. Detail of Roman Frieze, in Carved Stone.
exhibited greater freedom in form, attitude and section. Natural types for the sake of variety were used, generally in subordinated positions, and there is occasional evidence of the influence of these in the treatment of the acanthus detail.
Græco-Roman
The development of art during this period cannot be attributed to native talent, the Romans being content to borrow their art as they did their religion. It was rather due to the opulence of the times, though the practical character of the race resulted in a great advance in architecture.
The later Roman, generally termed Græco-Roman, varied from the more robust treatment and reverted somewhat to the earlier Greek manner; tending to delicacy and refinement, but retaining the variety of character and detail.
Byzantine
The State recognition of Christianity had a great influence on art in that there was a return to symbolism. Various pagan elements associated with the earlier decoration that were unsuitable to the feeling of the time were eliminated. Eastern influence is evident, in not only the architecture but in the treatment which is known as Byzantine, of the foliage, which resembles that of the archaic Greek, the leaves being more stiffly lobed, and severely channelled with V-shaped grooves, in place of the subtle modelling of those of the Roman period.