Old Age in Greek and Roman Art

Ancient sculptures, wall paintings, vases, and other artworks depict older people in Greek and Roman society, revealing both positive and negative perceptions about aging. This comprehensive volume explores how old age was presented in art from antiquity, based on an analysis of art, contemporary literature, and archaeological records.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Some of the most striking depictions of older members of society can be found in ancient art. These depictions can be seen in marble and bronze sculptures, coins, painted vases, wall paintings, and mosaics. Elderly men and women are portrayed with the telltale signs of old age, such as wrinkles, white hair, sagging jowls, and stooped postures. This publication examines over 300 of these vivid images to reveal perceptions—both positive and negative—about aging and the aged in Greek and Roman society.

Seven chapters explore the medium and form of these images, including Greek grave reliefs, marble grave monuments in Roman Africa, and Roman sarcophagi. The subjects of these images range from priests and priestesses to ancient kings of Athens, old gods, and satyrs. This comprehensive volume is the first in English to explore how old age was presented in art from antiquity.

The Yale University Art Gallery has distributed this publication.

Weight: 1956g
Dimension: 239 x 316 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300266566