ART 304 - Reading the Roman House:Art and Myth in Domestic Space

Institution:

Reed College

Subject:

Description:

Full course for one semester. This course will investigate the decoration of the Roman house, with a particular focus on the representation of myth in a domestic context. We will begin by discussing the organization and function of the house in Roman society. We will then consider how mythological scenes found in such spaces could be understood in light of Roman conspicuous consumption, erudite display, gender roles, or religious practices. Mythological painting abounds in the villas of Herculaneum and Pompeii; however, the course will also include late antique examples of myth in domestic settings (such as the floor mosaics of Antioch on the Orontes, or the silver vessels found in Kaiseraugst on the Rhine). Students will give due consideration to what ancient texts (by Petronius, Vitruvius, Pholostratus, and others) might tell us about domestic decoration and the Roman viewer, and what modern interpreters (such as Bryson, Elsner, and Bergmann) might have to contribute to our understanding. Prerequisite: Art 201 or consent of the instructor. Conference. Not offered 2009-10.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.reed.edu

Phone Number:

(503) 771-1112

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.