ARTH 6211

Visual Narratives in Ancient Art

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

This seminar explores the numerous ways in which a picture can be worth a thousand words. Offering a global and comparative perspective, it examines the complex relationship between narrative and image and the ensuing notions of temporality in spatially based pictorial media. Focusing on ancient visual culture—from Greek vase painting, Roman historical reliefs, Gandharan biographical friezes, Indian Buddhist jataka panels, to early Christian sarcophagi—the course provides a rich ground for exploring diverse narrative strategies across geographic and temporal boundaries. We will engage with different narratological methodologies by focusing on some of the key visual stories connected to myths, epics, religious figures, folk tales, and oral histories. Students will develop skills to analyze how stories unfold through images as well as to critically examine the politics of narrative and issues of representation across cultures.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026FA

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