104-241 Greek Art and Archaeology: an Introduction To the Archaic and Classical Periods 700-336BC

Note

Available as 104-341 at 3rd-year level.

Availability

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Any two Arts subjects or permission of the Head of the Department.

Contact

Subject Description

This subject investigates the free-standing and relief sculpture of the Greek world from c.700 BC to the rise of Alexander the Great. It also studies the vase-painting of the sixth and fifth centuries BC from the beginning of black-figure to mature red-figure, focusing on subject-matter as well as style. The relationship of art and iconography to political life and the development of civic identity will be one of the topics to receive special attention, as also: the change from Archaic to Classical; the mythological and religious content and purpose of both sculpture and pottery. The role in society of minor arts such as coinage and figurines will also be considered. Students on completion of the subject are expected to have a close knowledge of the visual arts of Greece from their beginnings to their maturity in the Classical period. In combination with this overview, students should have achieved adequate training in visual perception in order to assess the full artistic context of individual works, and to understand the role of the visual arts in society. Students are also expected to comprehend the complex nature of stylistic development and be able to judge levels of quality.

Assessment

3000 words of written work (50%) and a 2-hour examination (50%).

Prescribed Texts

Please note: Students need only purchase one of these texts.

• R M Cook, Greek Art. Penguin.
• G Richter, A Handbook of Greek Art. Phaidon.