Includes bibliographical references (pages 285-287) and index.
Contents:
Note on terminology and spelling -- pt. 1: An introduction. Myths and images -- pt. 2: Transforming words into images. Making myths recognizable -- Choosing a moment -- Epic expansiveness versus tragic focus -- pt. 3: Building images. Formulas and motifs -- Transference of types -- Creating compositions -- pt. 4: Innovations, developments, and connections. Innovations inspired by poets -- Innovations inspired by artists -- Changing interests -- History and myth in art -- Life and myth in art -- pt. 5: Problems. Showing what can't be seen -- Distinguishing one myth from another -- Confusing one myth with another -- Misunderstandings and muddles -- Can the key to an image always be found? -- Glossary -- Mythological characters -- Historical figures -- Appendix 1. The survival of Greek myths in art and literature -- Appendix 2. The illustrations in the context of art history : Vase painting, painting, and mosaics ; Sculpture -- Appendix 3. The illustrations in the context of five cycles of myth : Jason and the Argonauts ; The seven against Thebes ; Herakles ; Theseus ; The Trojan war.
Summary:
Myth was the single most popular source for picture making in antiquity. Greek and Roman artists faced a number of challenges in conveying stories in static images. Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity explores the ways that classical artists portrayed a variety of myths. It explains how formulas were devised for certain stories; how these inventions could be adapted, developed and even transferred to other myths; how new forms were created to reflect changes in interpretations; how one myth could be distinguished from another; what links there exist between myths depicted and with daily life and historical propaganda; and the influence of changing tastes, among other issues. Fully illustrated examples are drawn from a wide range of media used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Striking a balance between serious scholarly research and accessible, nontechnical presentation, this book offers a fresh approach to Greek and Roman mythological illustration.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.