The Neronian Grotesque

During the reign of Nero, Roman culture produced some of its most spectacular works of art and literature, and some of its strangest. This study explores these effects across textual and visual media in an integrated way, revealing features pervasive in a literary and artistic culture invested in exploring the edges of expression.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 13 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

During the reign of Nero, Roman culture experienced a remarkable period of artistic and literary flourishing, producing some of its most spectacular works. However, this era was also marked by strange and enigmatic phenomena. This comprehensive study explores these effects across textual and visual media, employing an integrated approach. Weiss's analysis sheds light on several key aspects, including composition strategies, the overlap between literary and visual rhetoric, the influence of context on reception, and the authority of the reader or viewer to generate meaning. The volume offers a detailed account of Roman visual-literary interactions in the mid-first century CE, considering these dynamics as contributing to broader cultural phenomena. The findings reveal a culture deeply invested in exploring the boundaries of expression, showcasing a rich and diverse artistic landscape.

The Neronian Grotesque, a captivating study, delves into the literary and artistic production during the Neronian period, holding significance for scholars in Roman cultural history and visual studies. Its findings extend beyond the realm of Roman culture, offering valuable insights into the broader field of artistic expression. The study's comprehensive approach, combining textual analysis with visual examination, provides a rich tapestry of insights. Weiss's analysis highlights the shared compositional strategies employed by artists and writers, emphasizing the interplay between literary and visual rhetoric. The influence of context on reception is also explored, shedding light on how different audiences interpreted and responded to works of art. Moreover, the study emphasizes the reader's or viewer's agency in generating meaning, recognizing their role in shaping the interpretation and significance of a work.

The volume offers a comprehensive account of Roman visual-literary interactions in the mid-first century CE, providing a detailed examination of the cultural phenomena that emerged during this period. The results reveal a culture deeply invested in exploring the edges of expression, showcasing a rich and diverse artistic landscape. The Neronian Grotesque serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of Roman culture and its artistic contributions.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367478193