The Mask of Socrates: The Image of the Intellectual in Antiquity

Paul Zanker's "The Visual Representation of Greek and Roman Intellectuals" offers a comprehensive history of the visual representation of Greek and Roman intellectuals from the fifth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D., exploring the interaction between visual representation and classical culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 438 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

This captivating work offers a fresh and profound exploration of the interplay between visual representation and classical culture, spanning from the fifth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. Paul Zanker, through the meticulous examination of various source materials, including Greco-Roman literature, historiography, and philosophy, coupled with artistic renderings, has painstakingly crafted the first comprehensive history of the visual representation of Greek and Roman intellectuals. He guides the reader on a journey from the earliest visual depictions of Socrates and Plato to the iconic figures of Christ, the Apostles, and contemporaneous pagan and civic dignitaries.

Through his insightful interpretations of the postures, gestures, facial expressions, and stylistic variations of specific artworks, Zanker unveils the multifaceted personalities of these great poets and philosophers, revealing their roles as the prophetic wise man, the virtuous democratic citizen, or the self-absorbed bon vivant. His analysis of how the iconography of influential thinkers and writers evolved showcases the rise and decline of trends, as well as the shifting movements of schools of thought and belief, each embodying the most cherished values of the respective period and culture.

This remarkable title is proudly part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, a testament to the publisher's unwavering commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds, providing them with a platform to express their ideas, reach a wider audience, and leave a lasting impact. With a rich backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived employs print-on-demand technology to make high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again, ensuring that the wisdom and insights of the past are preserved and shared with future generations. Originally published in 1995, this title continues to resonate and inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 635g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520301955