Afterlives: Ancient Greek Funerary Monuments in the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ancient Greek funerary monuments were visual expressions of mourning that provide information about the deceased and their communities. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has one of the finest collections of Greek funerary monuments, with examples created from the 7th to the 2nd century B.C. These works of art offer insights into all facets of life in ancient Greece.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2022
Publisher: Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers Ltd

In ancient Greece, funerary monuments served as profound visual expressions of mourning, offering the living a means to commemorate and connect with their deceased loved ones. These monuments, spanning from the 7th to the 2nd century B.C., encompass a diverse range of media and geographical regions, showcasing the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the time. Today, these monuments hold immense value as sources of information about the deceased and the communities they belonged to. They provide insights into various aspects of their lives, including their social status, material possessions, and the desired portrayal of themselves in death.

One of the world's most renowned collections of Greek funerary monuments can be found outside of Greece at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In his comprehensive book, renowned author Paul Zanker presents over 50 outstanding examples of these monuments, meticulously curated from various periods and regions. This richly illustrated volume offers a captivating glimpse into the artistic and cultural significance of Greek funerary art.

Through their shared focus on memorializing the dead, these extraordinary works of art provide a profound window into the lives of ancient Greeks. They reveal the intricate rituals, beliefs, and values that shaped their society, offering a deeper understanding of the complex tapestry of ancient Greek civilization. Whether through the intricate sculptures, detailed reliefs, or poignant inscriptions, these funerary monuments serve as enduring testaments to the human capacity for grief, remembrance, and the enduring bond between the living and the dead.

Dimension: 254 x 229 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785513848