How to Read Greek Vases (The Metropolitan Museum of Art - How to Read)

I can't say enough in praise of this book. The photography detail is incredible - you may have seen these items at the Met, but not like this: details explained and put in context, the writing so erudite yet so accessible. You can get lost in the wonder of these masterpieces. Thank you to the Met for felling like I've brought these pieces home!!

This is a beautiful book with great photos of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. It is made with high quality paper with sewn binding.

Five stars, good read for beginners.

My rating is solely based on the condition in which my product arrived. This was a gift.

Fast service. Highly recommend. Thank you!

Joan R. Mertens, Curator in the Department of Greek and Roman Art at the Metropolitan, has chosen thirty-five prime Greek vases to explore and explain the meanings behind these richly puzzling works of art. She manages to 'decode' the figures and the stories they relate as well as inform the viewer of the intricacies of Greek art and communication.Greek vases served specific utilitarian functions, and they also afforded outstanding artists, some of whom signed their work, a medium for depicting both the details of daily existence and aspects of their gods, goddesses, and heroes. Here are the garments, implements, athletic competitions, and marriage and funerary rituals of Greeks who lived from the seventh through the fourth century B.C. But of particular interest is the involved illustration of the mythological figures and stories, for instance, the goddess Athena with her helmet, spear, and shield, and the great hero Heracles, from his first exploit as a baby to his elevation as an immortal at the end of his earthly life.The exceptional group of works assembled in this volume, the second in the Metropolitan Museums ongoing teaching program about the cast riches that museum holds, conveys the extent to which the culture of ancient Greece is still apparent today. Urns and jars inspired by Greek models are a staple in all types of public and private spaces. The meander patterns, palmettes, and other florals that adorn ancient vases recur in all kinds of modern objects. And the concept of the hero, or superman, first formulated and given visual form in ancient Greece is integral to Western culture. The book is richly illustrated with color photographs of the various Greek vases in question. A fine addition to the world of art books... and history books! Grady Harp, July 11

Well-written and informative. Beautiful illustrations.