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Style and function in Roman decoration : living with objects and interiors / Ellen Swift.

By: Swift, EllenMaterial type: TextTextPublication details: Farnham, England ; Burlington, Vt. : Ashgate, c2009. Description: xii, 231 p., [16] p. of plates : ill. (some col.), plans ; 26 cmISBN: 9780754665632 (hardback : alk. paper); 0754665631 (hardback : alk. paper)Subject(s): Decorative arts -- Social aspects -- Rome | Interior decoration -- Social aspects -- Rome | Rome -- Social life and customsDDC classification: 745.0937 LOC classification: NK680 | .S95 2009
Contents:
List of illustrations -- List of tables -- Preface -- Acknowledgements -- ch. 1. Introduction -- ch. 2. Interiors, focusing on non-figurative mosaics -- ch. 3. Vessels -- ch. 4. Dress accessories -- ch. 5. Conclusion -- Bibliography.
Summary: "This important book puts forward a new interpretation of Roman decorative art, focusing on the function of decoration in the social context. It examines the three principal areas of social display and conspicuous consumption in the Roman world: social space, entertainment, and dress, and discusses the significance of the decoration of objects and interiors within these contexts, drawing examples from both Rome and its environs, and the Western provinces, from the early Imperial period to Late Antiquity. Focusing on specific examples, including mosaics and other interior décor, silver plate, glass and pottery vessels, and jewellery and other dress accessories, Swift demonstrates the importance of decoration in creating and maintaining social networks and identities and fostering appropriate social behaviour, and its role in perpetuating social convention and social norms. It is argued that our understanding of stylistic change and the relationship between this and the wider social context in the art of the Roman period is greatly enhanced by an initial focus on the particular social relationships fostered by decorated objects and spaces. The book demonstrates that an examination of so-called 'minor art' is fundamental in any understanding of the relationship between art and its social context, and aims to reinvigorate debate on the value of decoration and ornament in the Roman period and beyond."--Jacket.
Holdings
Item type Current library Call number Status Date due Barcode
Books Books The BIAA David H. French Library
Shelf 37 - Main Room 		G1c SWIFT 27730 Not for loan BOOKS*000000020638

Includes bibliographical references (p. [197]-217) and index.

List of illustrations -- List of tables -- Preface -- Acknowledgements -- ch. 1. Introduction -- ch. 2. Interiors, focusing on non-figurative mosaics -- ch. 3. Vessels -- ch. 4. Dress accessories -- ch. 5. Conclusion -- Bibliography.

"This important book puts forward a new interpretation of Roman decorative art, focusing on the function of decoration in the social context. It examines the three principal areas of social display and conspicuous consumption in the Roman world: social space, entertainment, and dress, and discusses the significance of the decoration of objects and interiors within these contexts, drawing examples from both Rome and its environs, and the Western provinces, from the early Imperial period to Late Antiquity. Focusing on specific examples, including mosaics and other interior décor, silver plate, glass and pottery vessels, and jewellery and other dress accessories, Swift demonstrates the importance of decoration in creating and maintaining social networks and identities and fostering appropriate social behaviour, and its role in perpetuating social convention and social norms. It is argued that our understanding of stylistic change and the relationship between this and the wider social context in the art of the Roman period is greatly enhanced by an initial focus on the particular social relationships fostered by decorated objects and spaces. The book demonstrates that an examination of so-called 'minor art' is fundamental in any understanding of the relationship between art and its social context, and aims to reinvigorate debate on the value of decoration and ornament in the Roman period and beyond."--Jacket.