Author Description

A lively, colourful survey of Greek art from the eighth to the second century BC which contains many beautiful pictures. Under the chapter headings of the origins of Greek art, myth in early art, art of the Greek colonies and sanctuaries, art in the age of Pericles, temple sculptures, art and Greek drama and Alexander's impact on art the whole range of artefacts is discussed from vases and architecture to kouroi and frescoes. Throughout Spivey considers how art was inextricably bound up with the political, religious and social circumstances of the period, from the early influence of Minoan and Mycenean art, through the effect of Athenian democracy to the consequences of the empire building of Alexander the Great.