Roman art has become a valuable object of study, not only for its aesthetic qualities, but as a historical source in its own right. It provides us with insights into Roman self-perceptions, value systems, and ways of perceiving the world that complement information taken from written sources. In this Companion, the reader is introduced through Roman art to the daily Roman world, its preoccupations, and cultural characteristics.
These socio-historical aspects of Roman art require a contextualized approach, which addresses questions such as its physical and topographical contexts (houses and villas, tombs and public spaces, etc.), patronage and intentions, and the reception of art by various groups of viewers and users under various circumstances and conditions. The book includes sections focusing on methodology and approaches, genres, contexts of display and usage of art, and its modern reception and utilization. The authors are a global group of scholars, and their contributions reflect a diverse set of national academic traditions and approaches to our understanding of Roman art.
Barbara E. Borg is Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Exeter and Extraordinary Professor at Stellenbosch University. She has published widely on Greek and Roman art and archaeology. She is the recipient of a number of awards and prizes, including a Getty Research Fellowship, a Senior Onassis Fellowship, the Hugh Last Fellowship at the British School at Rome, and a Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship.
A Companion to Roman Art encompasses various artistic genres, ancient contexts, and modern approaches for a comprehensive guide to Roman art.
A Companion to Roman Art encompasses various artistic genres, ancient contexts, and modern approaches for a comprehensive guide to Roman art.
- Offers comprehensive and original essays on the study of Roman art
- Contributions from distinguished scholars with unrivalled expertise covering a broad range of international approaches
- Focuses on the socio-historical aspects of Roman art, covering several topics that have not been presented in any detail in English
- Includes both close readings of individual art works and general discussions
- Provides an overview of main aspects of the subject and an introduction to current debates in the field
