Gods and Heroes in Art (Guide to Imagery Series) [Paperback]

Lucia Impelluso (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2003

Gods and Heroes in Art aims to help museum patrons and art lovers recognize the legendary characters of classical antiquity in art. The characters are each described in entries summarizing their distinctive stories, their special attributes, and the ways in which artists have depicted them. Each entry is richly illustrated with reproductions of works of art in which the god or hero is pictured, giving readers a chance to examine images of the character and to understand the work of art better.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian

About the Author

Lucia Impelluso is an architect specializing in iconograpphy. She is also the author of Themes, Meanings, Symbols in Portraiture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 386 pages
• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum; 1 edition (April 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892367024
• ISBN-13: 978-0892367023
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mythology and the art that celebrates it, August 22, 2004

By 

J. Ott "John Ott" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gods and Heroes in Art (Guide to Imagery Series) (Paperback)

I first saw this book for sale at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for way more than I could afford. Thank goodness for Amazon. This full-color, art-filled guide to Gods and Heroes (including characters from the epics of Homer) has to be one of my favorite books on the shelf.

Each subject gets at least a short caption explaining the major myths surrounding him or her, then one or more of the world's great paintings protraying an episode from the myth, with short but excellent captions explaining features of the painting and symbols that identify the God or Hero. Of course Art History majors will find this book irresistable -- but I think most people with any kind of interest in art or Greek and Roman mythology will too.

Case in point: I showed this book to an IT guy I work with and he was so impressed by it he immediately went online and ordered two copies, one for himself and one for a young cousin he knew would love it. I know I would've loved to have it as a kid, when I was in that phase where I was deep into Greek mythology and Homeric tales. It also would've made field trips to the museum a lot more interesting too, since half the fun is taking what you've learned and applying it: "That must be Athena. See the spear, and the shield and the helmet. Cool. Hey, that one was in the book!"

Or something like that. I also plan to check out the other books in the series: Old Testament Figures in Art, Gospel Figure in Art and Saints in Art. I'm not as much into Christian iconography, but if those books are half as cool as this one is, I'll really enjoy them. 5 big stars out of 5!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!!!, October 12, 2004

By 

love to learn (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gods and Heroes in Art (Guide to Imagery Series) (Paperback)

This book was wonderfully done and very useful for the appreciation and study of the ancient gods and the works of art depicting them. This book is chuck full of artwork (375 pages). You will not be disappointed! Great to use along side the study of ancient history, as the art is captivating and really brings the gods to life! Good for all ages.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full-color plates of masterpiece artworks from human history, July 19, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gods and Heroes in Art (Guide to Imagery Series) (Paperback)

400 full-color plates of masterpiece artworks from human history superbly illuminate the pages of Gods And Heroes In Art, which presents the readers with a brief introduction to (and an informative summary of) the legends behind the deities of Greek and Roman mythology that are often depicted in classical art. Gods And Heroes In Art is visual feast as well as a convenient reference for art and mythology buffs. Also very highly recommended is a companion volume from the J. Paul Getty Museum, Saints In Art (0892367172, $..., 384 pages, 400 color plates).