The Social History of Roman Art

by Peter Stewart

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521016599
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/29/2008
Series:	Key Themes in Ancient History
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	218
Product dimensions:	5.91(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.47(d)

About the Author

Peter Stewart is Senior Lecturer in Classical Art and its Heritage at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London. His previous publications include Statues in Roman Society: Representation and Response (2003) and Roman Art (2004).

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Who made Roman art?; 2. Identity and status; 3. Portraits in society; 4. The power of images; 5. Art of the empire.

Editorial Reviews

"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 Roman art. ...a pleasure to read. ... Stewart has provided far more than an excellent summary of current debates in Roman art and archaeology. His incisive and persuasive critique of popular concepts like "propaganda" will stimulate debate for years to come." —BMCR

"Peter Stewart offers a smart and engaging synthesis of a range of issues central to the current study of Roman art...Aimed at a readership of both art historians and historians, Stewart strikes a sophisticated yet accessible tone."
NECJ, Ann Marie Yasin, University of Southern California

From the Publisher