Architecture and Meaning on the Athenian Acropolis - Softcover

Rhodes, Robin Francis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521469813 ISBN 13: 9780521469814

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1995

Synopsis

Architecture and Meaning on the Athenian Acropolis focuses on the architectural complex which is generally considered to be one of the outstanding achievements of Western civilisation. Though the buildings and sculpture of the Acropolis, erected over the course of the fifth century BC, have been scrutinised by scholars for more than a century, Robin Rhodes' sensitive analysis is the first to consider the ensemble as a whole and to explain how the monuments communicate meaningfully with one another to form an iconographic narrative. His study also examines the sculpture and decoration, which were conceived together with the abstract features, while relating both to the larger issues in Greek architecture and aesthetics. Among the themes treated in this landmark study are: the relationship between landscape and religious architecture, the humanisation of temple divinities, the architectural expression of religious tradition and even specific history, architectural procession and hieratic direction, symbolism and allusion through architectural order, religious revival and archaism, and the breaking of architectural and religious canon. Taken together, they constitute the specific narrative of the Acropolis in the Periclean Age.

About this title

Review

"Written by a scholar with a sensitive eye for the Greek landscape and a firm grasp of architectural principles, Rhodes's interpretive essay is enjoyable reading. For the beginning student it will serve as a thoughtful introduction to one of the most impressive religious complexes ever created..." Jenifer Neils, Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians

Book Description

Robin Rhodes's sensitive analysis is the first to consider the buildings and sculpture of the Acropolis as a whole and to explain how they communicate meaningfully with one another to form an iconographic narrative. He relates the buildings to larger issues in Greek architecture and aesthetics.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0521469813
• ISBN 13: 9780521469814
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 236