What material was primarily used for creating sculptures in ancient Rome?

The primary materials used for creating sculptures in ancient Rome were bronze and marble. These materials were favored because of their durability and aesthetic qualities. Marble, particularly, was highly valued for its ability to be carved into intricate details and its ability to withstand the test of time. It was used for both large-scale sculptures and smaller decorative pieces.

Bronze was also extensively used, especially for life-sized statues and equestrian monuments. The advantages of bronze include its strength and the smooth finish it can achieve, allowing for more expressive and dynamic forms. The combination of these two materials in Roman sculpture reflects the culture’s emphasis on realism, grandeur, and the idealization of the human figure, which were prominent aspects of Roman artistic expression.

Other materials like wood, terra cotta, and plaster were utilized in specific contexts, such as smaller sculptures or models, but they did not hold the same significance or widespread use in the creation of major artworks in ancient Roman sculpture as bronze and marble did.