The Revival of the Olympian Gods in Renaissance Art
The Revival of the Olympian Gods in Renaissance Art
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GBPIn this study, Luba Freedman examines the revival of the twelve Olympian deities in the visual arts of sixteenth-century Italy. Renaissance representations of the Olympians as autonomous figures in paintings, sculpture and drawing were not easily integrated into a Christian society. While many patrons and artists venerated the ancient artworks for their artistic qualities, others, nourished by religious beliefs, felt compelled to adapt ancient representations to Christian subjects. These conflicting attitudes influenced the representation of deities intentionally made all'antica, often resulting in an interweaving of classical and non-classical elements that is alien to the original, ancient sources. This study, the first devoted to this problem, highlights how problematic it was during the Cinquecento to display and receive images of pagan gods, whether shaped by ancient or contemporary artists. It offers new insights into the uneven absorption of the classical heritage during the early modern era.
- Discussion of central works of Renaissance art, individually representing the twelve supreme gods and goddesses of ancient Greece and Rome
- Analysis of learning in the Cinquecento about the representation of the Olympians in classical art
- Study of conflicting attitudes towards the works of art representing non-religious subjects of autonomous figures
Reviews & endorsements
Review of the hardback: 'The text is densely argued and full of deep learning.' Journal of Classics Teaching
'The book has the merit of highlighting the importance of the Italian Renaissance art laboratory in transmitting and reworking ancient heritage. The problems addressed are at the crossroads between art history, cultural and social anthropology, history of archaeology, and history of religion. The very useful index is evidence of the richness and diversity of the subjects covered in the book.' Anabases
Product details
January 2011Paperback
9780521181037
320 pages
254 × 179 × 14 mm
0.64kg
78 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Part I. Outlining a Cinquecento Phenomenon:
- 1. Terms and concepts
- 2. Components of the phenomenon
- Part II. Discoveries and Their Impact:
- 3. Olympian deities in ancient sculpture
- 4. Ancient testimonies
- 5. Literary descriptions
- 6. The question of revival
- Part III. Cinquecento Works of Art:
- 7. 'Classical' elements
- 8. Non-classical elements
- 9. The conflict in Cinquecento schools of thought.
