AHI 508SEM - Studies in Ancient Art

This seminar examines the nature of narrative in ancient art. We will look at artistic representations of myth (Herakles, Theseus), epic poetry (Iliad, Odyssey), lyric poetry (Bacchylides, Pindar), drama (Aeschylus, Euripides) and history (column of Trajan, Bayeux Tapestry). We will be interested in certain themes: how does one interpret an ancient work of art?, how were extended cycles “read”?, how were individual works understood in antiquity?, how important is the work’s context?, and how does the image relate to the written text? We will read parts of the Iliad, Odyssey, some poetry and plays. The first couple of meetings will be introductory lectures, followed by student reports on individual works. Credits: 3