Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity

New
Paperback
2002
$32.62

Myths inspired Greek and Roman artists to rise to the challenge of conveying flowing narratives in static form. This book describes the different ways painters, sculptors and other artists explored and exploited the dense forest of myth. It explains how formulas were devised for certain stories; how these could be adapted, developed and even transferred to other contexts; how one myth could be distinguished from another - or confused with it; how myths related to daily life or political propaganda; and the influence of evolving tastes. Written in a lively and accessible style, fully illustrated with examples drawn from a wide range of media, Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity provides fresh and stimulating insights into the representation of myths in Greek and Roman art.

Synopsis

Myths inspired Greek and Roman artists to rise to the challenge of conveying flowing narratives in static form. This book describes the different ways painters, sculptors and other artists explored and exploited the dense forest of myth. It explains how formulas were devised for certain stories; how these could be adapted, developed and even transferred to other contexts; how one myth could be distinguished from another - or confused with it; how myths related to daily life or political propaganda; and the influence of evolving tastes. Written in a lively and accessible style, fully illustrated with examples drawn from a wide range of media, Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity provides fresh and stimulating insights into the representation of myths in Greek and Roman art.

$32.62

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 332
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 02 Dec 2002
ISBN 10: 0521788099
ISBN 13: 9780521788090
Book Overview: Wide-ranging and original examination of how artists translated flowing verbal narratives into static visual images.

Media Reviews

'With its lucid descriptions, thoughtful explanations, lack of jargon, and avoidance of arcane Greek terms, this book is ideal for students and the general public. It could also help philologists to appreciate the conventions of Greek and Roman art and their potential for conveying the subtleties of myth. Every college course on classical mythology should assign this text, which is available in paperback, so students can understand the visual dimension of the subject. With its generous illustrations of many of the major works of classical art and its sensitive treatment of myth, Woodford's latest book is yet another leaf in her crown.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review
'This is a very accessible book which would fascinate anyone with an interest in art, mythology or antiquity ... it is an absolute must for any school teaching Greek or roman art at any level and should have a place in every school library. Its very attractiveness and accessibility means that it will be the sort of book that bored teenagers will dip into when they are supposed to be studying something else and without a doubt become hooked on classics.' London Association of Classical Teachers Newsletter
'Her writing is always accessible, and she has an enviable ability to arrange her material in a user-friendly way. this is a book that should be in every library where classical civilization is taught.' JACT Reviews
'Susan's books are always models of clarity and accessibility, a real pleasure to read, and this latest is no exception ... Very highly recommended.' CA News
Susan Woodford has done it again. [S]he has produced another lucid and eminently readable book on the subject of ancient mythological iconography. [A] book devoted to describing the wonderful change from verbal to visual. Celica Milovanovic, Millersville University, The Classical Outlook
As a whole, this is an important work that makes a significant contribution in analyzing the ways in which classical artists sought to render traditional narratives within the constraints of their selected media andd especially for the painstaking manner in which the various aspects of this endeavor, its successes and drawbacks, are elucidated for the student of classical myth. American Journal of Archaeology
A rich and accessible treatment of a difficult topic. Judith M. Barringer, Classical World
The book as a whole is a valuable contribution to the literature of myth and art. Layperson and specialist alike will find Woodford's discussion of the ways to approach and study the myth in ancient art very useful. - Phillip v. Stankley, San Francisco State University