This book examines the sculptures created during the Early Dynastic period (2900–2350 BC) of Sumer, a region corresponding to present-day southern Iraq. Featured almost exclusively in temple complexes, some 550 Early Dynastic stone statues of human figures carved in an abstract style have survived. Chronicling the intellectual history of ancient Near Eastern art history and archaeology at the intersection of sculpture and aesthetics, this book argues that the early modern reception of Sumer still influences ideas about these sculptures. Engaging also with the archaeology of the Early Dynastic temple, the book ultimately considers what a stone statue of a human figure has signified, both in modern times and in antiquity.
Presenting a thoughtful and thorough analysis, and heavily illustrated with superb drawings, plans, and b&w plates of the sculpture, this volume describes the meaning and possible ceremonial uses
The well-known "narrative" images of the Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II (883-859 B.C.E.) at war and at the hunt are discussed frequently in studies of ancient Near Eastern art. Yet the "iconic" image
Beckensall, a longtime student of prehistoric rock art in Britain, takes the reader on a search for the many different types, particularly those with small hollows or "cups" cut into them. He states w
Published for the exhibition at the Jack Olson Gallery, School of Art, Northern Illinois University, curated by Jeff Karl Kowalski and Mary Katherine Scott Based on ancient Maya imagery and sold to vi
With contributions by Laurent Coulon, Sue Davies, Élisabeth Delange, Richard Fazzini, Florence Gombert, Adela Oppenheim, Diana Craig Patch, Maarten Raven, Edna Russmann, John H. Taylor, Eleni To
Scholars and students of Indian art will welcome this study, which provides a thorough survey and analysis of the celebrated Mathura school of sculpture. The volume proceeds chronologically, organizin
This collection of the late Bernard V. Bothmer's writings represents some of the most significant scholarship on Egyptian art by a pioneer in the field. Introduced by his colleague T.G.H. James, form
The nineteen papers in this volume stem from a symposium that brought together academics, archaeologists, museum curators, conservators, and a practicing marble sculptor to discuss varying approaches
Located above the Euphrates in modern Syria, Dura-Europus was founded as a Hellenistic military settlement. It was conquered repeatedly by Parthians, Romans, and Persians; but evidence from inscriptio
Animals play a special role in Indian culture. In opposition to deities, they help to frame the human community. Indian philosophy assumes the basic unity of animals and humans and in everyday life an
Hawaiian Sculpture documents most known extant indigenous carvings of the human figure and identifies their location in public and private collections. The over 164 illustrations illuminate the wooden
Appearing for the first time in paperback and illustrated with line drawings, diagrams, and 26 half-tone plates, this study of the iconographic aspect of Japanese Buddhist sculpture surveys the signif
