ARTH 420: Advanced Studies in Ancient Art

ARTH 420-001: Ancient Art
(Fall 2016)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T

Research Hall 201

Section Information for Fall 2016

It has sometimes been said that there were no portraits before Greece and Rome, in contradiction to this theory this class seeks to put Egyptian and Mesopotamian portraiture in context with the portrait traditions of the later Greco-Roman world. It will also demonstrate the influence of Egypt and Mesopotamia on Greco-Roman artistic traditions. The other objective of the course is to explore theoretical approaches to understanding the representation of individuals in the ancient world, using specific case studies to reinforce those approaches. The modern construct of individuality, as conveyed through the representation of the human face, differs from past concepts.  We will thus ask questions designed to alert us to our modern gaze and how that gaze differs from, and thus obstructs, the original meaning of a work of art. Many other questions will be explored in this class. We will ask how social roles are conveyed in portraiture. We will ask whether the medium, coin verses statue for example, influences the style and message of a portrait. How does the portrait’s original context in architecture add to the story of the person represented? And finally we will be equipped to ask: what exactly is a portrait?

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Studies a particular area of ancient art of the Mediterranean, Near East, or Middle East. Topics may be art form or medium, geographical area, theme, function, or context. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies, Writing Intensive in Major
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and 6 credits in Art History at the 300 level, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18, Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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