Description: Tonio Hölscher develops a new theoretical concept for understanding the Roman art of images by establishing a connection between artistic forms and content and expressions of ideology--such as the glorification of state and ruler, war and triumph. A large role is played here by the reception of earlier images from Greek art. Roman art therefore appears to operate as a semantic system which, from an interdisciplinary perspective, can be compared with the forms of Roman literature as well as the language of images of other cultures.
Brief description: Anthony Snodgrass is Emeritus Professor of Classical Archaeology in the University of Cambridge whose books include Homer and the Artists (Cambridge University Press, 1998).
Review Quotes: "it provides rich material with which to think. While Holscher's structuralist methodology may seem limited today, he s till gives us much to ponder, question and debate, which is no small feat." CAA Reviews Lauren Hackworth Petersen