Greek sculpture developed into a fine art in the archaic and classical periods. With the human figure as its main subject, artists worked to represent it in increasingly naturalistic terms. This book explores the material aspects of Greek sculpture at a pivotal phase in its evolution. Considering typologies and function, an international team of experts traces the development of technical characteristics of marble and bronze sculpture, the choice of particular marbles in different areas, and the types of monuments that were created on the Greek mainland, the islands and the west coast of Asia Minor. Taking a novel approach to a key topic in classical archaeology, this volume will serve as the groundwork for future research.

Table of Contents

1. Sources and models John Boardman; 2. Archaic Athens and the Cyclades Mary C. Sturgeon; 3. Archaic and Classical Magna Graecia Barbara Barletta; 4. Classical Athens Olga Palagia; 5. Late Classical Asia Minor: dynasts and their tombs Peter Higgs; 6. Archaic and Classical bronzes Carol Mattusch; 7. Marble carving techniques Olga Palagia; 8. Greek and Roman white marbles Norman Herz.

Author Biography

Olga Palagia is Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Athens, Greece. She is the author and editor of many articles, essays and books. She co-edited Personal Styles in Greek Sculpture and edited the forthcoming Art in Athens during the Peloponnesian War.