Art and Experience in Classical Greece

by J.J. Pollitt

An account of the development of Greek art in the Classical period (about 480–320 BC) which places particular emphasis on the meaning and content of Greek sculpture, architecture and painting. Professor Pollitt reminds us that the visual arts in Greece, as elsewhere, were primarily vehicles of expression. He does not ignore formal development but always relates this to social and cultural history, which it reflected and from which it grew. While his subject is art, he refers frequently to the literature and philosophy of the period which were shaped by the same influences.

Genres: Art, History, Art History, Nonfiction, Greece, Archaeology, Textbooks

205 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 1972

Reviews

[Lamadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent overview of the Classical Greek art period. There is a strong background of history to put everything in context. Very readable and makes more complex concepts easy to understand.

[Tyler Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book for understanding a particular period of Greek history and the place of art in it. Pollitt pulled off the delicate balance of being rich without being dense. The value of the book is especially that it is about more than art. Pollitt puts art in context with history, politics, and literature.

The whole idea of a somewhat unified 'spirit of the age' needs to be treated cautiously, so I am skeptical about that part of the work. Still, this is a highly informative book that reads well. Probably shouldn't be the first book about Classical Greece that you read, but I highly recommend it in the first half dozen if you are working through a list.

[Seneca Roach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic exploration of Classical Greek art and culture whilst also offering an enlightening introduction to the history of the Greece from rise to fall

I swear it's not boring 😭

[Álvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maravilloso.

Lo he leido como complemento a mi asignatura de arte clásico y es justo lo que esperaba.

De una manera muy amena e inteligente el autor va relacionando los grandes acontecimientos históricos de eso que llamamos "Grecia antigua" con la manera de sentir y pensar de los habitantes de esas regiones, y el arte que derivó de esos pensamientos, y actitudes. Los grandes nombres del teatro y de la filosofía griega se cruzan con los de los artistas, y los políticos de la época para componer un libro muy fascinante.

Eso sí, requiere unos mínimos conceptos temporales de arte griego (períodos, principales obras), ya que aunque está lleno de fotografías y bien estructurado temporalmente, se disfruta más cuando primero se tiene una visión de conjunto general del arte de esta época. (Yo lo empecé a leer como introducción a la asignatura y tuve que dejarlo, en cambio como colofón o epílogo de la misma me ha encantado)

Una lectura que te abre los ojos ante el arte, no solo el de ese momento, sino el de cualquiera, y te muestra como, tanto en forma como en fondo, arte y vida van de la mano.

[Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: An account of the development of Greek art in the Classical period (about 480-320 B.C.) which places particular emphasis on the meaning and content of Greek sculpture, architecture and painting. Professor Pollitt reminds us that the visual arts in Greece, as elsewhere, were primarily vehicles of expression. He does not ignore formal development but always relates this to social and cultural history, which it reflected and from which it grew. While his subject is art, he refers frequently to the literature and philosophy of the period which were shaped by the same influences. The illustrations are fully integrated with the text and have been reproduced on the text pages for the convenience of readers. All students of classics and the history of art will be interested in this book; and it is addressed, as well, to anyone with a more general interest in Classical civilization and culture.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in college when the author was my professor. It only gets better on the re read. It is a brilliant book that covers not just Greek art but its relationship to history, culture, literature, and philosophy of the classical period. The art is the center here but history and culture and literature is intertwined with the art to produce a brilliant and detailed overview of Athens in the classical age.

[Robin Wik · Rating 1 out of 5]

Aldrig mer.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly interesting read.

[LemontreeLime]

Here's one i feel bad i never finished. Maybe will try again another day...

[Lisa]

very good

[Dreamersemporium]

like new