Description
Book SynopsisThe four centuries between the composition of the Homeric epics and the conquests of Alexander the Great witnessed an immensely creative period in Greek art, one full of experimentation and innovation. But time has taken its toll; damaged statues have lost their colour and wall paintings have been totally destroyed. And yet sympathetic study of surviving sculpture and of drawing on vases can give extraordinary insight into and appreciation of these once brilliant works This book, designed originally for students, introduces the reader to Greek sculpture and vase painting in the critical period from the eighth to the fourth centuries BC. The works discussed are generously illustrated and lucidly analysed to give a vivid picture of the splendor of Greek art. The up-dated second edition includes a new chapter examining art in Greek society, a timeline to help relate artistic development to historical events, an explanation of how dates BC are arrived at, a brief overview of Greek temple p
Trade ReviewAn Introduction to Greek Art is clearly written and abundantly illustrated ... for those new to Greek art, it remains an instructive read. -- Lucia Marchini * Minerva *
An Introduction to Greek Art provides an extremely clear and coherent overview to a very complex aspect of Greek culture and is at the same time replete with sophisticated and subtle analysis ... The 2nd edition lays an even stronger claim than the 1st for this work to be the
vade mecum of any student of Greek art whether novice or veteran. * Journal of Classics Teaching *
The joy and vivid expression of Woodford’s analyses of key pieces is delightful to read and the pace and style captivate the reader. * Religious Studies Review *
Abundantly illustrated and very pleasant to read, this book offers a good introduction to Greek art and meets with the right audience: the broad public, students who begin their studies in art history and all those eager to learn the basics of Greek art ... Thanks to the accuracy of the vocabulary, this publication remains an indispensable tool for anyone interested in the field. * Histara (Bloomsbury Translation) *
Woodford has done such an admirable job with what she has given us that I simply wish she had given us more. -- David W. Madsen, Seattle University * Classical Journal *
[The book] is well written, without superfluous rambling, with concern for the reader and with clear and elegant language. This is actually a very good handbook for people who are establishing their acquaintance with Greek art: school pupils, students, businessmen or retired people on holiday, who want to find new intellectual stimuli in antiquity and intelligent relief from everyday life. * Eos *
Susan Woodford is a good communicator, careful to explain terms and concepts that could be baffling, sympathetic and lively in her descriptions and commentary and, above all, accurate. -- Sir John Boardman, British Book News
Informative and insightful … a supremely enjoyable guided tour around these wonderful works of art, and … a rewarding education in how to see them for ourselves. -- James Morwood, Wadham College, Oxford, UK
Table of ContentsPreface Note on Terminology Acknowledgements Map 1. Beginnings 2. Attic Black-Figure Vase Painting 3. Archaic Architectural Sculpture 4. Archaic Free-Standing Statues and Grave Stelai 5. Early Red-Figure Vase Painting 6. Early Classical Sculpture 7. Early Classical Architectural Sculpture: The Temple of Zeus at Olympia 8. Early Classical Painting and Vase Painting 9. High Classical Architectural Sculpture: The Parthenon 10. High Classical Sculpture and Vase Painting 11. Art in the Last Quarter of the 5th Century BC 12. Sculpture in the 4th Century BC: The Opening of New Horizons 13. Art in Greek Society Epilogue Appendices: - Literary sources - Establishing dates BC - Literary Sources: useful texts surviving from classical antiquity - The names of vase painters - The names given to statues - The authenticity of the Hermes of Praxiteles - The colour used on Greek sculpture - The Doric and Ionic orders - Greek temple plans - Identification of mythological figures and scenes Glossary Timeline Further Reading Index
