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A History of Roman Art

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A HISTORY OF ROMAN ART The new edition of the leading textbook on Roman art, updated with new images and expanded geographic and cultural scope A History of Roman Art is an expansive survey of the painting, mosaic, sculpture, decorative arts, and architecture of ancient Rome. This acclaimed textbook provides a fully-illustrated narrative history of Roman art that spans a millennium, from the early origins of Rome to the era of Emperor Constantine. Interwoven throughout the text are themes of Rome's cultural inclusiveness and the importance of art in promoting Roman values, helping students understand how diverse cultures contributed to Roman life. Accessible, chronologically-organized chapters provide numerous examples of the arts, their cultural and historical context, descriptions of artistic techniques, and writings by ancient authors―enabling students to develop a rich appreciation of art’s importance in the Roman world. Now in its second edition, this market-leading textbook features thoroughly revised content throughout. Additional images and excerpts from literary sources are complemented by new historical discussions of metalwork, carved gems, glass, and sarcophagi. This edition features more maps and illustrations, in-depth analysis of iconography, greater emphasis on the types of objects used to decorate the lives of ordinary Romans, expanded coverage of freedmen and women as artists, subjects, and patrons, and much more. A number of works that represent popular art have been added. That is, art in the everyday Roman world, rather than just the large scale works of sculpture and architecture of elite patrons. It also reveals patterns of artistic workshops, trade, and social and economic networks. Additionally, this edition takes into account new approaches in scholarship. This comprehensive A History of Roman Art, Second Edition is an ideal primary or secondary text for courses on Roman art and archaeology, Roman art and architecture, Greek and Roman art, and general Roman civilization, history, and culture.

448 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2014

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68 people want to read

About the author

Steven L. Tuck

8 books12 followers
Steven L. Tuck is Assistant Professor of Classics at Miami University of Ohio.

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Phil.
410 reviews38 followers
September 7, 2019
This is a textbook for courses in Roman art and, as such, should affect how one should read it. It is systematically laid out, organized by periods, corresponding with the historical divisions in Roman history from the Republican to the various dynasties of the Imperial period, with useful short discussions of scholarly issues. It discusses the major pieces and themes of each period in a concise and clear form. It is an excellent reference work.
Profile Image for hayden kobiljak .
104 reviews
April 12, 2024
PROPERTIES OF THIS BOOK:
- History
- Nonfiction
- Art/Art History
- Pictures/Myths/Maps

WHY I DECIDED TO READ THIS BOOK:
- I had to read it for my college class

WHAT I LIKED:
- It was very informational and gave good depth on topics

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
- Nothing much - it was a solid read for a history class
Profile Image for Ruchi Shah.
16 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2025
Wow this is so well written and gave me a comprehensive introduction to Roman art and history. Hope I pass my final. Also just so excited to see some of these monuments, buildings, and pieces in real life.
4 reviews
June 27, 2021
Amazing book with pictures as great as the text - normally one of the two would be failing in a book like this.
Profile Image for Alba Valiente.
43 reviews
January 6, 2024
I read this in speedrun mode because i have a uni exam, but it's so good it has great explantions and pictures, both of them being great its not common in manuals
Profile Image for Beanie.
95 reviews
April 9, 2024
I read this for school and am counting it towards my reading goal
Profile Image for Minami Uchida.
10 reviews
June 17, 2025
UGH ik it’s on me but why couldn’t i just read the chaoters in 15 minutes before class and not AN HOUR PLUS
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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