Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity [Paperback]

Susan Woodford (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521788099 | ISBN-13: 978-0521788090 | Publication Date: December 2, 2002

Stories take time to tell; Greek and Roman artists had to convey them in static images. How did they go about it? How could they ensure that their scenes would be recognized? What problems did they have? How did they solve them? This generously illustrated book explores the ways classical artists portrayed a variety of myths. It explains how formulas were devised for certain stories; how these inventions could be adapted, developed and even transferred to other myths; how one myth could be distinguished from another; what links there were with daily life and historical propaganda; the influence of changing tastes, and problems still outstanding. Examples are drawn from a wide range of media--vases, murals, mosaics, sarcophagi, sculpture--used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The myths are mostly those that are also easily recognized in later works of art. No previous knowledge of the subject is assumed, all examples are illustrated and all names, terms and concepts are fully explained. Susan Woodford teaches Greek and Roman art at the University of London and is engaged in research for the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities at the British Museum. A former Fullbright Scholar and Woodrow Wilson Fellow, she and is author of The Parthenon (Cambridge, 1981), The Art of Greece (Cornell, 1993), An Introduction to Greek Art (Cornell, 1986) and The Trojan War in Ancient Art (Cornell, 1993).

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Susan Woodford has done it again. [S]he has produced another lucid and eminently readable book on the subject of ancient mythological iconography. [A] book devoted to describing the wonderful change from verbal to visual." Celica Milovanovic, Millersville University, The Classical Outlook

"As a whole, this is an important work that makes a significant contribution in analyzing the ways in which classical artists sought to render traditional narratives within the constraints of their selected media andd especially for the painstaking manner in which the various aspects of this endeavor, its successes and drawbacks, are elucidated for the student of classical myth." American Journal of Archaeology

"A rich and accessible treatment of a difficult topic." Judith M. Barringer, Classical World

"The book as a whole is a valuable contribution to the literature of myth and art. Layperson and specialist alike will find Woodford's discussion of the ways to approach and study the myth in ancient art very useful." - Phillip v. Stankley, San Francisco State University

Book Description

Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity explores the ways that classical artists portrayed a variety of myths. It explains how formulas were devised for certain stories; how new forms were created to reflect changes in interpretations; what links exist between myths depicted and with daily life and historical propaganda; and the influence of changing taste. Illustrated with examples from a wide range of media, this book strikes a balance between serious scholarly research and accessible, nontechnical presentation, offering a fresh approach to Greek and Roman mythological illustration.

Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (December 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521788099
• ISBN-13: 978-0521788090
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #727,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely well written and illustrated, October 21, 2008

By 

Howard Schulman (Providence, RI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity (Paperback)

It was a pure pleasure to read through Susan Woodford's book "Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity". If you've ever gone to an art exhibit and wondered how anyone could identify which myth the artist is painting or wondered what you're missing, this book is for you. In this book, the author describes how ancient Greek and Roman artists and artisans told "graphic "stories, something akin to "graphic novels" which have recently become quite popular.

The book also goes over the different myths and other stories commonly known to the Greeks and Roman, so that you can more easily recognize them when they show up. Although it becomes very clear early on that it takes a PhD course of study to really become an expert in this area, there are many basics that Woodford teaches that should immensely increase your appreciation and enjoyment of art from any age that makes use of Greek myths and legends. (Most of the gods and heroes and others depicted in Greek pottery are actually labeled! --I never knew that)

The text is extremely well written, containing 17 short themes in which she examines several specimens in depth. One prior reviewer makes a big deal about the black and white photography--he's missing the point. With almost 200 high quality illustrations and images of ancient Greek and Roman pottery and statuary, Woodford has put together a gorgeous book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mythology for Visual Learners, February 23, 2006

By 

Art Doctor "Deborah" (Mancos, CO) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity (Paperback)

I really love this book! Although my interest in Greek pottery inspired me to order it, I have discovered that it is also an excellent way to learn and remember the associated myths. The author, Susan Woodford, has wonderful academic and professional credentials, yet the text is written in clear English. I feel very lucky to have stumbled onto her work.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written, April 25, 2005

By 

Lover of Mysteries "avatar_of_ares" (Norridge, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity (Paperback)

The book is incredibly well written and fascinating to read. I read her entire book on Trojan war art after having only one chapter recommended. For an academic, the author's writing is fresh, jargon free, and easily understood.