Looking at Greek Vases - Softcover

Rasmussen, Tom

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521376793 ISBN 13: 9780521376792

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1999

Synopsis

An ancient Greek vase is a difficult object for the non-expert to come to terms with. Faced with rows of apparently undifferentiated black, red and buff pots, he or she is at a loss as to where to begin. Greek vases are treated as objets d'art in the modern world, but how much were they worth in the ancient? They are often used to demonstrate 'the Greek genius' and aspects of ancient Greek society, but why do many of them carry Eastern motifs, and why do so many turn up in Italy? Why were the Greeks not content with simple patterns on their pottery? What did the pictures on the pots mean to them? Why should a vase depict a scene from a play? These are the sorts of questions that this book, first published in 1991, attempts to answer. As the title implies, it is a series of 'looks' at Greek vases, offering suggestions on how to read the often complex images they present.

About this title

Product Description

This study takes a look at Greek vases, offering suggestions on how to read the often complex images they present, and also explaining how they were made and distributed. Chapters have been contributed by a distinguished team of scholars, who have written with a wide readership in mind.

Review

' ... an excellent book, presenting ... a wide variety of viewpoints from which ancient pottery can be studied.' Martin Kilner, Classical Views

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0521376793
• ISBN 13: 9780521376792
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 302