RELST 6746

Aesthetics of the Sacred in Classical Antiquity

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2019-2020.

This course will explore archaeological and literary evidence for the production, display, ritual treatment, and cultural reception of sacred images in ancient Greece. We will focus on some of the most fertile and problematic themes relating to the representation of divine beings in material form, such as the potential and limitations of anthropomorphism; the use of alternative modes of material manifestation such as aniconism and theriomorphism (the representation of gods as animals); the relationship between "cult" and "votive" images; the replication and adaptation of cult statues to new contexts of display; and shifting attitudes to image-worship within polytheistic and monotheistic traditions. Students in Classics, Art History, Religious Studies and Anthropology should find this course of particular interest.

When Offered Fall.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Recommended prerequisite: Some experience in the study of Greek or Roman culture (especially art and archaeology) would be helpful but is not required. Knowledge of ancient Greek is helpful, but all texts will be taught in translation.

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