Anne LaGatta specializes in the art of ancient Greece and Rome, with a particular focus on the early Roman imperial period. She teaches courses on the ancient and medieval Mediterranean world. 

LaGatta's research centers on the use of political rhetoric in Roman art, epigraphy and historiography, especially in visual and literary representations of Roman emperors. Her current project explores the emperor Tiberius' use of art and architecture to craft his public image and imperial identity. Using various objects such as coins and sculpted portraits, she argues that imperial art in the Tiberian period is evidence of a carefully crafted ideology that is considerably distinct from that of Augustus and remarkably in line with ancient literary characterizations of Tiberius. Other research interests include numismatic representations of women in the late Roman Republic.

Areas of Expertise

Greco-Roman sculpture; Roman imperial portraiture; Roman political history

Education

2024 — Doctor of Philosophy from Univ of Southern California

2019 — Master of Arts from Univ of Southern California

2016 — Bachelor of Arts from New York University

Courses Recently Taught

This course surveys Western art and architecture from the Paleolithic era to the end of the Middle Ages. Training in visual analysis is emphasized, as are the historical context, religious beliefs and social conditions in which the artwork was produced. This is primarily a lecture class, though discussion is encouraged. Requirements include examinations and short papers. This counts toward the 100-level course requirement for the major. No prerequisite. Offered every semester.

This course examines the art and architecture of Rome from its Etruscan and Latin origins through the decline of the Roman Empire. As Rome grew from a city to a world empire, Romans employed the arts in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from the domestic and funereal to the political and imperial, with art and architecture often used in the service of ritual or propaganda. The format is lecture and discussion. This counts toward the Europe and America place and the before 600 CE time requirements for the major. Prerequisite: any art history course or CLAS 121, 122, 220 or 221. Offered every other year.

This seminar explores topics and issues relating to the history of ancient art and architecture. Assignments include seminar reports, class discussion and a research paper. This course can be repeated up to two times for credit, so long as each covers different topics. This counts toward the advanced course, Europe and the Americas place and the before 600 C.E. time requirements for the major. Prerequisite: any course in art history or classics. Sophomore standing.