<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> While the traditional view of the ancient Roman artists is that they often borrowed from, and copied Greek precedents (much of the Greek sculptures known today are in the form of Roman marble copies), more recent analysis has indicated that Roman art is a highly creative pastiche relying heavily on Greek models but also encompassing Etruscan, native Italic, and even Egyptian visual culture . Stylistic eclecticism and practical application are the hallmarks of much Roman art . </P> <P> Pliny, Ancient Rome's most important historian concerning the arts, recorded that nearly all the forms of art--sculpture, landscape, portrait painting, even genre painting--were advanced in Greek times, and in some cases, more advanced than in Rome . Though very little remains of Greek wall art and portraiture, certainly Greek sculpture and vase painting bears this out . These forms were not likely surpassed by Roman artists in fineness of design or execution . As another example of the lost "Golden Age", he singled out Peiraikos, "whose artistry is surpassed by only a very few...He painted barbershops and shoemakers' stalls, donkeys, vegetables, and such, and for that reason came to be called the' painter of vulgar subjects'; yet these works are altogether delightful, and they were sold at higher prices than the greatest (paintings) of many other artists ." The adjective "vulgar" is used here in its original meaning, which means "common". </P>

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