Drawing the Greek Vase

The study investigates how 2D images of ancient Greek vases have influenced modern perceptions of these artifacts and the classical past. It explores how artists have depicted Greek vases in various styles and contexts, including the impact of photography on the tradition of drawing. The volume is of interest to art historians, archaeologists, and classical reception scholars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

How have two-dimensional images of ancient Greek vases shaped modern perceptions of these artefacts and of the classical past?

This is the first scholarly volume devoted to the exploration of drawings, prints, and photographs of Greek vases in modernity. Case studies of the seventeenth to the twentieth century foreground ways that artists have depicted Greek vases in a range of styles and contexts within and beyond academia. Questions addressed include: how do these images translate three-dimensional ancient utilitarian objects with iconography central to the tradition of Western painting and decorative arts into two-dimensional graphic images carrying aesthetic and epistemic value? How does the embodied practice of drawing enable people to engage with Greek vases differently from museum viewers, and what insights does it offer on ancient producers and users? And how did the invention of photography impact the tradition of drawing Greek vases? The volume addresses art historians of the seventeenth to twentieth centuries, archaeologists, and classical reception scholars.

The volume explores the ways in which artists have depicted Greek vases throughout history, from the seventeenth century to the twentieth century. It examines the various styles and techniques used by artists, as well as the cultural and historical contexts in which these images were created.

One of the key themes of the volume is the way in which artists have used Greek vases as a source of inspiration for their own work. Many artists have drawn on the iconic shapes and patterns of Greek vases to create their own unique works of art. For example, the Art Nouveau movement in the early twentieth century was heavily influenced by the stylized forms of Greek vases, which were seen as a symbol of elegance and beauty.

Another theme of the volume is the way in which Greek vases have been used to convey cultural and historical messages. Throughout history, Greek vases have been used to illustrate stories and myths from ancient Greece, as well as to convey religious and political messages. For example, in the nineteenth century, Greek vases were used to illustrate the story of the Trojan War, which was a popular subject in Western art at the time.

The volume also explores the role that Greek vases have played in the development of art history and criticism. Throughout history, Greek vases have been studied and analyzed by art historians and critics, who have used them to understand the development of artistic styles and techniques. For example, in the eighteenth century, the study of Greek vases was a key component of the development of classical art theory.

In conclusion, this volume provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the ways in which two-dimensional images of ancient Greek vases have shaped modern perceptions of these artefacts and of the classical past. It is a valuable resource for art historians, archaeologists, and classical reception scholars alike.

Weight: 958g
Dimension: 197 x 253 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192856128