Ancient Roman Painting

Many people go to Rome to see paintings by Michelangelo. Few realise that one can also see in Rome ancient Roman painting no less good than Michelangelo. Todays art historians write that the Renaissance masters discovered chiraoscuro and human anatomy but the ancient Roman paintings clearly show that this is not the case. The Roman painters were obviously aware of both the anatomy and lights and shadows and used them with virtuosity. Only small fragments can be seen today in some Roman museums. They demonstrate what Roman painting must have been like.