Sex or symbol: Erotic images of Greece and Rome - Softcover

Johns, Catherine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0292775725 ISBN 13: 9780292775725

Publisher: University of Texas Press, 1982

Synopsis

Entertaining and thoughtful, this book graphically portrays an area of Greek and Roman life that was an embarrassment to the eighteenth- and nineteenth century scholars discovering these objects in their classical collections. At a time of sexual prudery such material was viewed as unsuitable for serious study and removed from public display. With 125 black and white and 38 color illustrations, "Sex or Symbol?" shows that while overt sexual representations were common in painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and other minor arts, not all the objects that shocked the Victorians had an erotic purpose. Catherine Johns demonstrates that many had a religious and apotropaic function as well as reflecting the classical delight in erotic art for its own sake. They also shed light on the social mores of the time, in particular the wide range of sexual behavior acceptable in classical antiquity.

About this title

About the Author:

Catherine Johns is a Curator, Department of Prehistoric and Romano-British Antiquities at the British Museum, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. She is co-author of The Thetford Treasure.

Review:

"Catherine Johns writes with complete knowledge of her subject.." -- Arts Review

"a learned and lively book.." -- The Times

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Texas Press
• Publication date: 1982
• ISBN 10: 0292775725
• ISBN 13: 9780292775725
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160