The social history of Roman art / Peter Stewart.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Stewart, Peter, 1971-

Series:

Key themes in ancient history

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Art, Roman.

Art and society--Rome.

Art and society.

Physical Description:

xvi, 200 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, UK ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2008.

Summary:

The character of Roman art history has changed in recent years. More than ever before, it is concerned with the role of art in ancient society, including the functions that it served and the values and assumptions that it reflects. At the same time, images have become centrally important to the study of ancient history in general. This book offers a new, critical introduction to Roman art against the background of these developments. Focusing on selected examples and themes, it sets the images in context, explains how they have been interpreted, and explodes some of the modern myths that surround them. It also explores some of the problems and contradictions that we face when we try to deal with ancient art in this manner. From wall-paintings to statues, from coins to gravestones, this is a lucid and often provocative reappraisal of the world of Roman images.

Contents:

Who made Roman art?

Identity and status

Portraits in society

The power of images

Art of the Empire.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-194) and index.

ISBN:

9780521816328

0521816327

9780521016599

0521016592

OCLC:

192048187

Online:

Contributor biographical information

Publisher description