The Oxford History of Classical Art [Paperback]

John Boardman (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 22, 1997

Lying at the heart of the Western classical tradition, the rich legacy of the arts of ancient Greece and Rome continues to provide inspiration and guidance to artists and art lovers everywhere. Lavishly illustrated and masterfully prepared under the editorships of John Boardman, one of the world's preeminent classicists, The Oxford History of Classical Art offers readers the definitive companion to the artistic and architectural achievements of the Greco-Roman world, from the rise of the Greek city-states to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Written by Boardman and a team of distinguished experts including J.J. Pollitt, Alan W. Johnston, R.R.R. Smith, and Janet Huskinson, this sumptuous volume presents the full pageantry and glory of the classical world, tracing the origins and evolution of classical art as it gradually moved from the art of individuals and small communities to the art of a world power. Particular attention is paid throughout to the splendor and quality of the arts themselves, aptly represented in 442 stunningly beautiful black and white and full-color plates.
Destined to become the definitive sourcebook in its field, The Oxford History of Classical Art is indispensable for anyone intrigued by the timeless heritage of the ancient world.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-This companion volume to The Oxford History of the Classical World provides a broad and scholarly overview of Greek and Roman art, ranging from the 8th century B.C.E. to the late Roman Empire. Each chapter includes a historical and social commentary on the changing styles as well as on the artists and their patrons. Hundreds of plates, with well-documented explanations, support the narrative essays and highlight the phenomenal growth and dissemination of classical art worldwide. An excellent reference source.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Western art is very much the descendant of the 1500-year history of Greco-Roman art; many of the classical motifs and vernacular have become so commonplace they pass unnoticed. The changing forms of classical art, the differing societies and patrons for whom artifacts were produced, the roles and objectives of the artists, and the manner in which classical art was disseminated throughout the ancient world are all well analyzed and well presented in this work. While the text is on the dry side, a broad choice of illustrations--28 very good color plates, 396 well-indexed black-and-white reproductions, and three good maps--provide a focus and foundation for the narrative. This affordable companion to Boardman's The Oxford History of the Classical World ( LJ 1/87) will be a useful addition to collections where general works on classical art are lacking.
- Mary Morgan Smith, Northland P.L., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 444 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 22, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192853376
• ISBN-13: 978-0192853370
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #302,531 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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