An Introduction to Greek Art

by Susan Woodford

The fragments of Greek sculpture and vase painting that have survived into the twentieth century are like pieces of a shattered mirror reflecting the former glory of Greek art. Though some of the images are obviously beautiful, others require interpretation before their true quality can become apparent. This book, designed primarily as an introduction for students, helps the reader trace the development of Greek art in the immensely creative period from the eighth to the fourth century BC - the period between the composition of the Homeric poems and the conquests of Alexander the Great. Important works are generously illustrated and lucidly analysed, so that an integrated picture of Greek art emerges.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Classics, Greece, Classical Studies

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Durfte ich für meinen Unikurs Greek Art and Architecture lesen, sehr kurzweilig, viele Bilder und Anekdoten. Kurz: alles, was meine jura bücher nicht haben!

[Liberty · Rating 4 out of 5]

susan woodford you have saved my a level 🙏🙏

[Theodora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my core textbook for my Greek Art and Architecture A level and it's always a delight to re-read.
Woodford takes great care in her descriptions and explanations as she escorts the reader through centuries of artwork from Archaic to Late Classical. Her passion for the subject is evident and makes the reading both effortless and gratifying. The balance of Vase Painting, Temple Sculpture and Free-Standing Sculpture was well managed and the organisation of topics was proficient at holding the reader's attention.
Totally fascinating. Totally charming.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tenderness, a human quality, attributed to a god

Helpful for A Level study of Greek art, or interesting for anyone interested in art history. Pictures, detailed but accessible scholarly debate, and recounts of any myth one may be unfamiliar with. Bonus points for her funny commentary - she is very hard to impress.

[Isa Garcia Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introduction to the field in general and to certain important creations. Easy to follow, without requiring any previous knowledge.

[Rio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good introduction book!
Amazing examples to help understand as well.
Honestly very interesting.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise. I don't think any other words could appropriately describe Woodford's incredibly helpful work on summarising the world of Ancient Greek art. Although more complicated than simple layman's English is used fair often throughout, the context can easily be deciphered by the rest of her language. The incredible wealth of pictures used is refreshing compared to the scanty amount used in most other books on these subjects. Woodford is an artist of her own in the way in that she seems to to easily tie the entire book back in on itself again, constantly referring back to previously mentioned topics and works of art so as to better explain their development. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is in a similar situation as I was before being loaned it by my own lecture, anyone who has a passion for Greek history/art but simply isn't sure what way to go about looking at it in a fairer light.

[Blaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

The focus is on the archaic and classical period. Vase painting and sculptures are extensively dealt with for both eras. A large number of pictures and illustrations help to explain the thematics and different techniques.

Woodford does an excellent job in this introductory book, and describes the changes and nuances of Ancient Greek art in a clear and concise way. Highly recommended for anybody who wants to learn more about the subject in an easily graspable fashion.

[massmarketbareback · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book helped me get an A level in the study of naked men

[Sally-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used as a school text for teaching Ancient Greek Art.