Ancient Mythological Images and their Interpretation
An Introduction to Iconology, Semiotics and Image Studies in Classical Art History

This book offers a new, theoretically informed framework for the interpretation of ancient visual culture.

Katharina Lorenz (Author)

9780521139724, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 August 2016

300 pages, 53 b/w illus.
24.6 x 17.4 x 1.4 cm, 0.6 kg

'… a welcome addition to the field of classical art history. Aimed at students, the text functions as an introduction to the use of art historical theories and methodologies in the study of mythological imagery. … Overall, Lorenz's book is successful. The case studies exemplifying effective applications of art historical methodologies, as well as the well-researched footnotes and bibliography, make the book a valuable resource for students. In addition, it is important that we as scholars continue to reflect on the discipline and ask ourselves and our students how we study ancient art and why these methodologies are valuable. Lorenz's book not only asks these questions, but helps students to answer them.' Amanda Herring, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

When we try to make sense of pictures, what do we gain when we use a particular method - and what might we be missing or even losing? Empirical experimentation on three types of mythological imagery - a Classical Greek pot, a frieze from Hellenistic Pergamon and a second-century CE Roman sarcophagus - enables Katharina Lorenz to demonstrate how theoretical approaches to images (specifically, iconology, semiotics, and image studies) impact the meanings we elicit from Greek and Roman art. A guide to Classical images of myth, and also a critical history of Classical archaeology's attempts to give meaning to pictures, this book establishes a dialogue with the wider field of art history and proposes a new framework for the study of ancient visual culture. It will be essential reading not just for students of classical art history and archaeology, but for anyone interested in the possibilities - and the history - of studying visual culture.

1. Iconology
2. Semiotics
3. Image studies.

Subject Areas: Ancient religions & mythologies [HRKP], Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]