

How to ‘Read’ Art in Ancient Rome
A Classics and Art History Taster Session with an MVA Teacher
Ancient Rome was filled with images. Statues in public squares, frescoes on villa walls, mosaics underfoot. Art was everywhere, shaping how people understood power, identity, religion, and everyday life. But Roman art was never just decorative. It was designed to be read.
In this session you will learn how Romans used art as a language. We will explore how emperors projected authority through sculpture, how families told stories through wall paintings, and how myth, symbolism, and visual clues helped viewers understand what an image was really saying. You will examine real examples of Roman art and uncover how meaning changes depending on who is looking, and why.
You will finish by analysing an artwork like a Roman viewer, learning how to spot hidden messages and interpret images with confidence, just as historians and classicists do today.
Come and experience a Live Lesson at MVA. We look forward to seeing you there!
You’ll see first-hand how our live classes are:
✨ Dynamic & engaging - designed to spark curiosity and participation
🌍 Relevant & inspiring - exploring exciting Key Stage 4 content
💻 Tailored for online learners - structured for success in the virtual classroom
It’s the perfect opportunity to step inside the classroom with us and get a real sense of what makes learning at MVA so different.