The Moral Mirror of Roman Art

This book explores the meanings of mirrors and reflections in Roman art and society.

Rabun Taylor (Author)

9780521866125, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 May 2008

288 pages
26 x 18.4 x 2.3 cm, 0.87 kg

This interdisciplinary study explores the meanings of mirrors and reflections in Roman art and society. When used as metaphors in Roman visual and literary discourses, mirrors had a strongly moral force, reflecting not random reality but rather a carefully filtered imagery with a didactic message. Focusing on examples found in mythical narrative, religious devotion, social interaction and gender relations, Rabun Taylor demonstrates that reflections served as powerful symbols of personal change. Thus, in both art and literature, a reflection may be present during moments of a protagonist's inner or outer transformation.

1. The teaching mirror
2. Mirrors mortal and morbid: Narcissus and Hermaphroditus
3. DionysiusPerseus.

Subject Areas: Material culture [JFCD], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB], History of art: ancient & classical art,BCE to c 500 CE [ACG]