Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity

Wide-ranging and original examination of how artists translated flowing verbal narratives into static visual images.

Susan Woodford (Author)

9780521788090, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 2 December 2002

332 pages, 194 b/w illus.
25.5 x 17.9 x 2.4 cm, 0.817 kg

'Susan's books are always models of clarity and accessibility, a real pleasure to read, and this latest is no exception … Very highly recommended.' CA News

Myths inspired Greek and Roman artists to rise to the challenge of conveying flowing narratives in static form. This book describes the different ways painters, sculptors and other artists explored and exploited the dense forest of myth. It explains how formulas were devised for certain stories; how these could be adapted, developed and even transferred to other contexts; how one myth could be distinguished from another - or confused with it; how myths related to daily life or political propaganda; and the influence of evolving tastes. Written in a lively and accessible style, fully illustrated with examples drawn from a wide range of media, Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity provides fresh and stimulating insights into the representation of myths in Greek and Roman art.

Part I. An Introduction: 1. Myths and images
Part II. Transforming Words into Images: 2. Making myths recognisable
3. Choosing a moment
4. Epic expansiveness versus tragic focus
Part III. Building Images: 5. Formulas and motifs
6. Transference of types
7. Creating compositions
Part IV. Innovations, Developments and Connections: 8. Innovations inspired by poets
9. Innovations inspired by artists
10. Changing interests
11. History and myth in art
12. Life and myth in art
Part V. Problems: 13. Showing what cannot be seen
14. Distinguishing one myth from another
15. Confusing one myth with another
16. Misunderstandings and muddles
17. Can the key to an image always be found?
Glossary
Appendices.

Subject Areas: History of art / art & design styles [AC]