Roman portraits : sculptures in stone and bronze in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Portrait sculptures are among the most vibrant records of ancient Greek and Roman culture. They represent people of all ages and social strata: revered poets and philosophers, emperors and their family members, military heroes, local dignitaries, ordinary citizens, and young children. The Met's distinguished collection of Greek and Roman portraits in stone and bronze is published in its entirety for the first time in this volume. Paul Zanker, a leading authority on Roman sculpture today, has brought his exceptional knowledge to the study of these portraits; in presenting them, he brings the ancient world to life for contemporary audiences. Each work is lavishly illustrated, meticulously described, and placed in its historical and cultural context. The lives and achievement of significant figures are discussed in the framework of the political, social, and practical circumstances that influenced their portrait's forms and styles—from the unvarnished realism of the late Republican period to the idealizing and progressively abstract tendencies that followed. Analyses of marble portraits recarved into new likenesses after their original subjects were forgotten or officially repudiated provide especially compelling insights. Observations on fashions in hairstyling, which typically originated with the Imperial family and spread as fast as the rulers' latest portraits could be distributed, not only edify and amuse but also link the Romans' motives and appetite for imitation to our own. More than a collection catalogue, Roman Portraits is a thorough and multifaceted survey of ancient portraiture. Charting the evolution of this art from its origins in ancient Greece, it renews our appreciation of an connection to these imposing, timeless works. Résumé sur le rabat de la jaquette: "Portraits sculptures are among the most vibrant records of ancient Greek and Roman culture. They represent people of all ages and social strata: revered poets and philosophers, emperors and their family members, military heroes, local dignitaries, ordinary citizens, and young children. The Met's distinguished collection of Greek and Roman portraits in stone and bronze is published in its entirety for the first time in this volume. Paul Zanker, a leading authority on Roman sculpture today, has brought his exceptional knowledge to the study of these portraits; in presenting them, he brings the ancient world to life for contemporary audiences. Each work is lavishly illustrated, meticulously described, and placed in its historical and cultural context. The lives and achievements of significant figures are discussed in the framework of the political, social, and practical circumstances that influenced their portraits' forms and styles - frome the unvarnished realism of the late Republican period to the idealizing and proogressively abstract tendencies that followed. Analyses of marble portraits recarved into new likenesses after their original subjects were forgotten or officially repudiated provide especially compelling insights. Observations on fashions in haistyling, wich typically originated with the Imperial family and spread as fast as the rulers' latest portraits could be distributed not only edify and amuse but also link the Romans' motives and appetite for imitation to our own. More than a collection catalogue, "Roman Portraits" is a thorough and multifaceted survey of ancient portraiture. Charting the evolution of this art from its origins in ancient Greece, it renews our appreciation of and connection to these imposing, timeless works." Portraits Are Among The Most Compelling Artistic Records Of Greek And Roman Culture. In This Richly Illustrated Book Featuring All New Photography, The 60 Portrait Heads From The Metropolitan Museum's Renowned Collection Are Fully Described, And Placed In Their Historical And Cultural Contexts. Roman Portraits Presents A Thorough And Multifaceted Survey Of Roman Stone And Bronze Portraiture As Well As A Brief Overview Of The History Of Ancient Portraiture. Unearthing The Evolution Of This Art From Its Origins In Greece Through The Roman Empire, Paul Zanker, The Foremost Authority On Roman Art Today, Brings These Imposing, Timeless Renderings To Life. On The History Of Ancient Portraiture -- Greek Portraits And Their Roman Copies -- Portraits Of Roman Emperors -- Portraits Of Men And Youth -- Portraits Of Women And Girls -- Reliefs And Tomb Altars With Portraits Of The Deceased -- Disputed Portraits. Paul Zanker. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 265-276) And Index. Portraits are among the most compelling artistic records of Greek and Roman culture. In this richly illustrated book featuring all new photography, the 60 portrait heads from the Metropolitan Museums renowned collection are fully described, and placed in their historical and cultural contexts. Roman Portraits presents a thorough and multifaceted survey of Roman stone and bronze portraiture as well as a brief overview of the history of ancient portraiture. Unearthing the evolution of this art from its origins in Greece through the Roman Empire, Paul Zanker, the foremost authority on Roman art today, brings these imposing, timeless renderings to life. Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Distributed by Yale University Press