Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity

Myths inspired Greek and Roman artists to rise to the challenge of conveying flowing narratives in static form. This book describes the different ways painters, sculptors and other artists explored and exploited the dense forest of myth. It explains how formulas were devised for certain stories; how these could be adapted, developed and even transferred to other contexts; how one myth could be distinguished from another - or confused with it; how myths related to daily life or political propaganda; and the influence of evolving tastes. Written in a lively and accessible style, fully illustrated with examples drawn from a wide range of media, Images of Myths in Classical Antiquity provides fresh and stimulating insights into the representation of myths in Greek and Roman art.

• An original and wide-ranging approach to mythological illustration going beyond simply relating images to texts • Treatment of many different media in both Greek and Roman art • Development from simple concepts to increasingly complex ones in easily comprehended, non-technical language

Part I. An Introduction: 1. Myths and images; Part II. Transforming Words into Images: 2. Making myths recognisable; 3. Choosing a moment; 4. Epic expansiveness versus tragic focus; Part III. Building Images: 5. Formulas and motifs; 6. Transference of types; 7. Creating compositions; Part IV. Innovations, Developments and Connections: 8. Innovations inspired by poets; 9. Innovations inspired by artists; 10. Changing interests; 11. History and myth in art; 12. Life and myth in art; Part V. Problems: 13. Showing what cannot be seen; 14. Distinguishing one myth from another; 15. Confusing one myth with another; 16. Misunderstandings and muddles; 17. Can the key to an image always be found?; Glossary; Appendices.

The Criticos Committee Prize - Winner

‘With its lucid descriptions, thoughtful explanations, lack of jargon, and avoidance of arcane Greek terms, this book is ideal for students and the general public. It could also help philologists to appreciate the conventions of Greek and Roman art and their potential for conveying the subtleties of myth. Every college course on classical mythology should assign this text, which is available in paperback, so students can understand the visual dimension of the subject. With its generous illustrations of many of the major works of classical art and its sensitive treatment of myth, Woodford’s latest book is yet another leaf in her crown.’ Bryn Mawr Classical Review

‘This is a very accessible book which would fascinate anyone with an interest in art, mythology or antiquity … it is an absolute must for any school teaching Greek or roman art at any level and should have a place in every school library. Its very attractiveness and accessibility means that it will be the sort of book that bored teenagers will dip into when they are supposed to be studying something else and without a doubt become hooked on classics.’ London Association of Classical Teachers Newsletter

‘Her writing is always accessible, and she has an enviable ability to arrange her material in a user-friendly way. this is a book that should be in every library where classical civilization is taught.’ JACT Reviews

\'Susan\'s books are always models of clarity and accessibility, a real pleasure to read, and this latest is no exception … Very highly recommended.\' CA News