The Social History of Roman Art [Hardcover]

An introduction to the study of ancient Roman art in its social context.More than ever before, students and scholars of the classical world use Roman images and wish to understand them. Using selected examples and themes, Stewart provides an introduction to the study of ancient Roman art in its social context and explains how and why Roman art was made and used.More than ever before, students and scholars of the classical world use Roman images and wish to understand them. Using selected examples and themes, Stewart provides an introduction to the study of ancient Roman art in its social context and explains how and why Roman art was made and used.The character of Roman art history has changed in recent years. More than ever before, it is concerned with the role of art in ancient society, including the functions that it served and the values and assumptions that it reflects. At the same time, images have become centrally important to the study of ancient history in general. This book offers a, critical introduction to Roman art against the background of these developments. Focusing on selected examples and themes, it sets the images in context, explains how they have been interpreted, and explodes some of the modern myths that surround them. It also explores some of the problems and contradictions that we face when we try to deal with ancient art in this manner. From wall-paintings to statues, from coins to the gravestones, this is a lucid and often provocative appraisal of the world of Roman images.Introduction; 1. Who made Roman art?; 2. Identity and status; 3. Portraits in society; 4. The power of images; 5. Art of the empire. Peter Stewart's Social History of Roman Art stands out as an excellent introduction not merely to Roman art as such but to current thinking on the topic. Not only will it enrich and stimulate classroom discussion, but for scholars only peripherally interested in the subject it will serve as a highly accessible summary of recent debates on Rló&