Pliny on Art and Society: The Elder Pliny's Chapters On The History Of Art

by Jacob Isager

Overview

Pliny sketches a theory of advancing moral decline and extravagance, in the course of which he gives a detailed account of six centuries of classical art and a fascinating sketch of the world of the rich Roman collector. Isager's is the first full treatment of this subject for over a hundred years.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781135085872
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/15/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Clement C. J. Webb

Table of Contents

Introduction Epistula Praefatoria Man and Nature Pliny As 'Scientist' Mineralogy in Naturalis Historia Use and Abuse of Mother Earth - Avaritia Atque Luxuria Book 33. Gold and Silver in Roman Society Book 34. Bronze Art Plan and Intention in Books 34-35 Book 35. The ARt of Painting Book 36. Marble Art and Architecture Book 37. Gems Conclusion Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Pliny the Elder died studying Mt. Vesuvius in 70 AD. Isager (Greek and Roman studies, U. of Odense) provides a commentary on Books 33-37 of his 37-volume Naturalis Historia, the sole such extant comprehensive Greek and Roman "art history with a political message." The Stoic philosophy of not violating Mother Earth in exploiting mineral wealth resonates with modern sensibilities, as did his views on art for the Renaissance. This edition is noted as being identical to the 1991 hardcover one except for minor corrections. Distributed by ISBS. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

‘An interesting and very useful commentary on Pliny's treatment of the subject in his vast work - Natural History'

From the Publisher