Distorted Ideals in Greek Vase-Painting
The World of Mythological Burlesque

This book examines Greek vase-paintings that depict humorous, burlesque, and irreverent images of Greek mythology and the gods.

David Walsh (Author)

9781107669659, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 16 June 2014

445 pages
24.7 x 17 x 2.5 cm, 1.02 kg

'In Distorted Ideals, David Walsh … presents an innovative and insightful in-depth analysis of vase-paintings that identifiably depict ancient Greek gods and heroes in an irreverent manner, from the seventh to the end of the fourth centuries BC.' Hermathena

This book examines Greek vase-paintings that depict humorous, burlesque, and irreverent images of Greek mythology and the gods. Many of the images present the gods and heroes as ridiculous and ugly. While the narrative content of some images may appear to be trivial, others address issues that are deeply serious. When placed against the background of the religious beliefs and social frameworks from which they spring, these images allow us to explore questions relating to their meaning in particular communities. Throughout, we see indications that Greek vase-painters developed their own comedic narratives and visual jokes. The images enhance our understanding of Greek society in just the same way as their more sober siblings in 'serious' art.

1. Introduction
2. The dramatic, artistic, religious and social context of humour
3. Strange beginnings
4. Violating the sanctuary
5. Ridiculing the gods
6. Subverting the hero
7. Distorted bodies
do the 'uglies' have the last laugh?
8. Distribution: being in with the 'in-crowd'
9. Final reflections: the world reversed.

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Ceramics: artworks [AFPC], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]