The Dignity of Labour: Image, Work and Identity in the Roman World

Ferris, I. M.

ISBN 10: 1445684217 / ISBN 13: 9781445684215

Published by Amberley Publishing, Stroud, Gloucestershire, 2021

About this Item

Cloth, 287 pages, [32] pages of plates, colour illustrations; 25 cm. Near fine. Tight, clean copy. Age toning. Dust jacket protected in a mylar cover. *** "The first book to present an analysis of images of working people in Roman society and to interpret the meaning and significance of these images. What did work mean to the Romans? Numerous incidental illustrations of agricultural workers occur in Roman artworks, particularly mosaic pavements. More significantly, the names and trades of many individual working people, artisans, and professionals are known from inscriptions and funerary monuments in Rome and from across the empire. Indeed, the names and trades of over twelve hundred men and over two hundred women are known from inscriptions in Rome alone. The most extraordinary individual funerary monuments for working people are the Tomb of Eurysaces the Baker that still stands at Porta Maggiore in Rome and the Tomb of the Haterii in the Vatican Museums, the latter a monument to a family that had made their fortune in the construction industry in the city. Less grand but equally informative are the dozens of other funerary monuments to people such as Bassilla, the mime or actress from Aquileia, Longidienus the shipbuilder from Ravenna, and Vitalis, the pork butcher from Rome. This study encompasses consideration of both written and archaeological sources, but particularly of visual evidence in the form of sculptures, funerary monuments of various kinds, mosaics, and wall paintings" - Publisher. Size: 8vo.

Seller Inventory # 211195

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Dignity of Labour: Image, Work and Identity in the Roman World
• Publisher: Amberley Publishing, Stroud, Gloucestershire
• Publication Date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1445684217
• ISBN 13: 9781445684215
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Book Type: Collectible
• Seller catalogs:
  • Genre & Subject::Genre (Everyday Life)
  • XL: Extra Large
  • Genre & Subject::Trades & Professions
  • European::2d. Classical::Roman
  • New Books
  • XXX::COLLECTIBLES

About this title

Synopsis

Uncover the lives of ordinary Romans through their art and labor.Dignity of Labour explores the image, work, and identity in the Roman world, revealing the stories of artisans, workers, and professionals. Iain Ferris examines how these individuals expressed their social standing and cultural values through funerary monuments, sculptures, and other visual representations.

From bakers and builders to mimes and shipbuilders, discover the diverse occupations that shaped Roman society. This study delves into the economic structures, daily lives, and material culture of the Roman Empire, offering a fresh perspective on its social history.

Perfect for students and general readers alike, this accessible publication sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of the working class. Explore the visual evidence and gain a deeper understanding of Roman art, archaeology, and social dynamics. Buy now to explore the fascinating world of Roman labor!

About the Author

Dr Iain Ferris is a professional archaeologist of forty-four years standing and has taught at Birmingham and Manchester Universities. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and has published widely. His research interests include Roman art and material culture and Romano-British archaeology and artefacts. He has directed major archaeological research excavations in northern and midland England and has served as a member of the Archaeology Committee of the Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies. His titles for Amberley include the Mirror of Venus: Women in Roman Art, Cave Canem: Animals and Roman Society, and Roman Britain Through its Objects. He lives in Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, Wales.