The Art and Architecture of the Ancient Orient

by Henri Frankfort

Traces the development of Mesopotamian art from Sumerian times to the late Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian periods. This text also covers the art and architecture of Asia Minor and the Hittites, of the Levant in the second millennium BC, of the Aramaeans and Phoenicians in Syria, and of Ancient Persia.

Genres: Art, History, Nonfiction, Art History, Architecture, Archaeology

484 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

Reviews

[Luke Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic in the field of ancient Near Eastern art history. Lots of information packed into this volume, which covers various time periods and locations.
Typically, in the books I read, authors examine ancient Near Eastern art to better understand the religious and political views of ancient people, asking questions like “What can these reliefs tell us about how the Assyrians viewed themselves in relation to subject nations?”, or “How do these images inform our understanding of obscure metaphors and verbal images in ancient Near Eastern texts?” Frankfort, as a true art historian, examines art very differently, tracing stylistic conventions across times and places, and casting judgments on the quality of works of art. It was refreshing to read a book that studies art for its own sake, and I should do it more often.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an old book, which you can tell. The content, the presentation of important art and architecture from all over the Near East is quite good and for that this is a very useful reference book. What makes it dated is a) that important discoveries about these civilizations have been made after the writing of this book, and b) that it is somewhat old-fashioned to pass sentence on the taste and knowledge of people who lived so long ago (actually it would be bad taste on more recent subjects too).

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a class in undergrad in art of ancient civilizations and this was one of the assigned to be read books. This book is a wonderful encompassing guide/read to learn more about the art and architecture of the Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians, ancient Persians, etc.

However, the book is dated and could be updated with a new edition (has it been updated?) featuring new information found/new discoveries.

[Salam Taha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is more than half a century old, but still being considered a text book , despite the fact that many discoveries have changed some views, and diverted the conclusions outlined by prof. Frankfort, still it is a must read for any student in the filed of Archaeology, Architecture an Art history.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro me ha salvado la vida para sacar las citas bibliográficas para arte antiguo no se quien eres Henri Frankfort pero que sepas que si necesitas a alguien en tu entierro o para robar un banco cuentas conmigo desde el cora jajsjsjssj

[John Courtney]

great

[Stephen Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource on the art and architecture of the Near East.

It is a product of its time (1950's) in a few ways. First, archaeology has moved on and there are things known now that weren't known at the time of this book (and sometimes contradict what it's in the book). Second, the pictures are unfortunately all black and white. Third, there are some value judgements/opinions expressed that may bruise the delicate sensibility of modern coddled readers (I prefer books where authors actually express some opinion and personality).

The work is heavily skewed to Mesopotamia. It would have been better if more had been included from the Persians, Hittites, Phoenicians, Parthians, and Scythians, but at some point you're talking about a book that's unreadably large. The work is also skewed to political and religious works; not much of the architecture or decorative arts of daily/private life.