HELLENISTIC ENGRAVED GEMS by Dimitris Plantzos ( 9780198150374 )

Item Details

Title:

HELLENISTIC ENGRAVED GEMS

By:

Format:

Hardback

List price:	£327.50
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ISBN 10:

0198150377

ISBN 13:

9780198150374

Publisher:

OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

Pub. date:

8 July, 1999

Series:

Oxford Monographs on Classical Archaeology

Pages:

260

Description:

This volume follows the development of Greek gem engraving from Alexander to Augustus. Hellenistic gems are studied in their archaeological context with an assessment of the evidence of their use, significance, and value. The book focuses on subject-matter, technique, and style, as well as problems of chronology and distribution.

Synopsis:

Engraved gems were used by the Greeks as seals and amulets, but were primarily valued as ornaments. Their iconography was drawn from a wide range of motifs and standard devices current in other art forms. In the Hellenistic period gem cutters remained faithful to the classical tradition, but were able to develop new subjects and styles. Portraits, especially of royalty, became the commonest subject in glyptic after Alexander, a practice that continued through the Roman period and was still popular with patrons and artists of the Renaissance and even later. This volume follows the development of gem engraving from Alexander's conquest of the East to the Augustan period. Hellenistic gems are studied in their archaeological and historical context: evidence on their use, significance, and value; questions of technique and style; and problems of chronology and distribution. Special sections have been devoted to patronage of gem-engravers and the relationship of gem-cutting with other miniaturist arts and coinage.

Illustrations:

96 plates

Publication:

Imprint:

Clarendon Press

Returns:

Returnable

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A COMPANION TO GREEK ART