Greek Art

A knighted professor of classical archaeology and art at Oxford University who conducted digs at several sites of the ancient Greek empire, the author certainly has the credentials to provide an authoritative introduction to Greek art. Starting at about the eighth century B.C., when Grecian art was beginning to reassert itself after the dark ages following the fall of the Mycenaean civilization, this survey examines its development through the periods of archaic Greece, classical Greece, the Hellenistic world, and finally looks briefly at its influence in more modern times. Professor Boardman certainly never gushes over his subject, but brings his professional expertise to bear in a balanced, and, sometimes critical manner, showing us the important trends. His emphasis is on representative works of each school or period, rather than highlighting the works most commonly recognized by the general public. Indeed, he lets us know that he feels the public has an inaccurate conception of Greek art due to the prevalence of idealizations by later copyists. He traces the evolution of this art primarily through the mediums of architecture, sculpture, and painted vases, although some attention is given to other artifacts such as cups, gems, seals, and mosaics. The book is profusely illustrated with photographs of one or more artwork on almost every page. The text is highly cultured and literate, but also very clear. I found myself heading to the dictionary or the internet a few times, but no more than might be expected from reading an intelligently written book on an unfamiliar subject. Not only did I learn a great deal about the progression of Greek art, but, by the way, gained knowledge of the historical phases of Greek civilization. Sturdy binding, clear type and photographs reproduced on thick paper, and compact size for an art book added to the enjoyment of reading. It seems a shame, evidenced by the sparseness of reviews, that such a worthwhile book has such a small readership, particularly when it can be had for such a low purchase price, either new or used.

I was introduced to this book initially as a supplemental text in a college class on Ancient Greece many years ago. I picked it up again recently and found it to be a fascinating and enlightening survey of Greek Art History. Exploring the progression and connection between various periods, techniques and styles, the book is very well illustrated and edited. Each section contains numerous examples that clearly demonstrate the points made in the accompanying text. The earliest geometric works , the archaic styles of Minoan and Mycenaen culture, and the classical period are all well described and represented. To the general reader who is not an art historian this is an incredibly easy guide to follow that will enrich your understanding of the importance of these cultures and the works they left behind.