Naked Truths: Women, Sexuality and Gender in Classical Art and Archaeology

by Ann Olga Koloski-Ostrow, Claire L. Lyons

The articles in Naked Truths demonstrate the application of feminist theory to a diverse repertory of classical art: they offer topical and controversial readings on the material culture of the ancient Mediterranean. This volume presents a timely, provocative and beautifully illustrated re-evaluation of how the issues of gender, identity and sexuality reveal 'naked truths' about fundamental human values and social realities, through the compelling symbolism of the body.

Genres: Art, Art History, Nonfiction, History, Greece, Gender Studies

Hardcover

First published August 13, 1997

Reviews

[Roman Clodia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feminist theory is routinely applied to the reading of classical texts but tends to be overlooked when it comes to classical art and archeology. This books sets out to redress that balance, containing a series of essays that combine feminist scholarship with the examination and assessment of classical material culture.

Some of the essays feel a little slight and tentative but that is perhaps to be expected as two fields of scholarship meet each other for something like the first time.

The introduction is especially good at alerting us to the essentialising nature of much classical art - the female model/muse and the male artist - and the question of who ultimately owns the female body.

Despite the title, the majority of the essays here are concerned with Greek as opposed to Roman art - but this is still a provocative, lively and stimulating read.