Interpreting the Images of Greek Myths

From the age of Homer until late antiquity the culture of ancient Greece and Rome was permeated by images of Greek myths. Gods and heroes were represented as statues, on vase and wall paintings, on temples, on sarcophagi as well as on other media. This book offers, for the first time, a concise introduction into the interpretation of images of Greek myths. Its main aim is to make the pictorial versions of the myths comprehensible on their own terms. Ancient artists were well aware of the potential - but also the limitations - of these 'silent' images and of the strategies that made them 'speak' to the audience/viewer. The book combines detailed explanation of theoretical and methodological issues with exhaustive discussion of case studies. It will be useful and stimulating for all undergraduate and graduate students taking courses in classical mythology and ancient art.

Author: Klaus Junker
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 11/24/2011
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.06lbs
Size: 9.55h x 6.90w x 0.45d
ISBN: 9780521720076

Review Citation(s):
Choice 10/01/2012

About the Author
Junker, Klaus: - Klaus Junker is Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Classical Archaeology, Mainz University. He has published extensively on ancient Greek sculpture, architecture and mythological imagery as well as on the history of classical archaeology.