Art, Myth, and Ritual in Classical Greece

A study of the relationship between architectural sculpture and myth in Classical Greece.

Judith M. Barringer (Author)

9780521646475, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 July 2008

284 pages, 159 b/w illus.
25.1 x 17.8 x 2.3 cm, 0.7 kg

'Barringer's book gives a comprehensive introduction to the discourse of myth as it has been seen and understood within the study of Greek art … Barringer's book unfolds unexpected and diverse perspectives on the complex reaction between religion, ritual, myth and art.' Arctos

What do Greek myths mean and how was meaning created for the ancient viewer? In Art, Myth, and Ritual in Classical Greece, Judith Barringer considers the use of myth on monuments at several key sites - Olympia, Athens, Delphi, and Trysa - showing that myth was neither randomly selected nor purely decorative. The mythic scenes on these monuments had meaning, the interpretation of which depends on context. Barringer explains how the same myth can possess different meanings and how, in a monumental context, the mythological image relates to the site and often to other monuments surrounding it, which redouble, resonate, or create variation on a theme. The architectural sculpture examined here is discussed in a series of five case studies, which are chronologically arranged and offer a range of physical settings, historical and social circumstances, and interpretive problems. Providing new interpretations of familiar monuments, this volume also offers a comprehensive way of seeing and understanding Greek art and culture as an integrated whole.

1. The temple of Zeus at Olympia, heroic models, and the Panhellenic sanctuary
2. The Athenian Akropolis, female power, and state religion
3. Making heroes in Athenian agora
4. Myth and religion at Delphi
5. The cult of the individual and the realm of the dead.

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]