Dignity of Labour: Image, Work and Identity in the Roman World

This book explores the images of working people in Roman society and interprets their meaning and significance. It examines visual evidence such as sculptures, funerary monuments, mosaics, and wall paintings, and considers both written and archaeological sources. The Tomb of Eurysaces the Baker and the Tomb of the Haterii are two extraordinary funerary monuments to working people.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 15 January 2021
\n Publisher: Amberley Publishing
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This groundbreaking work is the first to delve into the analysis of images of working people in Roman society, shedding light on their meaning and significance. Throughout Roman art, numerous incidental illustrations depict agricultural workers, particularly in mosaic pavements. However, what sets this book apart is its comprehensive exploration of the names and trades of numerous individual working people, artisans, and professionals.

Inscriptions and funerary monuments found in Rome and across the empire provide invaluable insights into the lives and livelihoods of these individuals. In Rome alone, inscriptions have revealed the names and trades of over twelve hundred men and over two hundred women. Among the most remarkable funerary monuments for working people are the Tomb of Eurysaces the Baker, which stands at Porta Maggiore in Rome, and the Tomb of the Haterii in the Vatican Museums.

The Tomb of Eurysaces, a baker, showcases the elaborate and artistic design of funerary monuments, reflecting the wealth and status of the deceased. The Tomb of the Haterii, on the other hand, is a monument to a family that made their fortune in the construction industry in Rome. It features intricate sculptures and mosaics that depict the family's achievements and contributions to society.

In addition to these grand funerary monuments, there are dozens of other funerary monuments to people from various professions. These include Bassilla, a mime or actress from Aquileia, Longidienus, a shipbuilder from Ravenna, and Vitalis, a pork butcher from Rome. Each of these monuments offers unique insights into the lives and work of these individuals, providing a deeper understanding of Roman society and its diverse workforce.

This study encompasses a comprehensive examination of both written and archaeological sources, with a particular focus on visual evidence in the form of sculptures, funerary monuments, mosaics, and wall paintings. By analyzing these visual representations, scholars can gain a deeper appreciation of the social and economic roles of working people in Roman society and the complex relationships between different professions and social classes.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking work is a significant contribution to the study of Roman society and its visual culture. By exploring the images of working people in Roman society, it sheds light on their meaning, significance, and the complex social and economic dynamics of the Roman world. It provides a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, shedding new light on the rich and diverse history of ancient Rome.

\n Weight: 668g\n
Dimension: 165 x 244 x 38 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781445684215\n \n