The Oxford Illustrated History of Classical Art by John Boardman

Beazley concentrated on attributing unsigned works, and his attributions remain for many scholars an important framework for the study of Greek vases. Beazley (b. 1885–d. 1970), a professor at Oxford University, the black- and red-figure vases of Athens (also termed “Attic”) which survive in enormous quantities were categorized according to painter and published in his magisterial lists ( Attic Black-Figure Vase-Painters, 1956 Attic Red-Figure Vase-Painters, 1963 see Beazley 1956 and Beazley 1963 under Connoisseurship and Attribution). Formal study of vases began during the late 19th century, but it was throughout the 20th that the sub-discipline truly gained momentum. Early modern connoisseurs and collectors during the 18th century were attracted to Greek vases coming out of tombs in Italy, often mistakenly considering them to be Etruscan rather than Greek.

Although decorated pottery had been made in Greece since prehistoric times, the field of Greek vase-painting is a branch of classical archaeology which focuses on vessels produced between the late Geometric and late classical/early Hellenistic periods (8th–3rd century BCE).

Figure decorated pottery, often called “vases,” was produced in large quantities in many regions of the ancient Greek world.

Together with hundreds of excellent illustrations, these entries provide both a provocative and entertaining window into our classical heritage.Greek vase-painting is one of the best studied areas of classical antiquity. Moreover, the contributors-thirty of the world's leading scholars-present the latest in modern scholarship through masterpieces of wit, brevity, and style.

The editors, all celebrated classicists, intersperse chapters on political and social history with sections on literature, philosophy,Īnd the arts, and reinforce the historical framework with maps and historical charts. This work also treats the Hellenization of the Middle East by the monarchies established in the area conquered by Alexander the Great. Now, in this vivid volume, readers can embrace the spirit of the classical world, from the eighth to the first centuries B.C., a period unparalleled in history for its brilliance in literature, philosophy, and the visual arts. From the epic poems of Homer to the glittering art and architecture of Greece's Golden Age, to the influential Roman systems of law and leadership, the classical Greek world established the foundations of our culture as well as many of its most enduring achievements.

The Oxford Illustrated History of Classical Art by John Boardman