The Art of Ancient Greece by Shirley Glubok
"The Art of Ancient Greece" by Shirley Glubok serves as an informative and accessible introduction to the rich artistic heritage of ancient Greece, aimed primarily at younger readers. The book offers a detailed exploration of various art forms, including pottery, sculpture, architecture, jewelry, and coins, showcasing significant examples like the Venus de Milo and Myron's Discobolus. With contributions from twenty major museums, the text is richly illustrated, enhancing the understanding of both techniques and cultural context. Glubok effectively defines important artistic concepts and terms, making complex ideas relatable for novices.
In addition to artistic analysis, the book delves into the broader societal elements of ancient Greece, such as mythology, religion, and politics, providing a well-rounded perspective on how art reflects cultural values. Covering the full chronological range from Minoan-Mycenaean art to Roman copies of Greek works, it highlights the evolution of Greek artistic styles. While some illustrations feature nudity, it is presented in a respectful manner, integral to understanding Greek art. Overall, Glubok's work invites readers to engage with the captivating world of ancient Greek culture and its lasting impact on society.
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The Art of Ancient Greece by Shirley Glubok
First published: 1963; illustrated
Subjects: Arts and religion
Type of work: Art
Recommended Ages: 10-13
Form and Content
Shirley Glubok’s The Art of Ancient Greece provides a plethora of information on both the techniques and the content of ancient Greek art. Her book, written with the interests of the younger reader in mind, serves as a solid—if not primary—introduction to the subject. Glubok’s admiration for ancient Greek art guides her discussion throughout the book. The work is not lengthy, but it contains a wealth of important information for the novice to the world of art and archaeology.
The layout, designed by Oscar Krauss, provides copious illustrations on every page, with contributions from many significant art collections. In total, twenty major museums are represented, from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to the Delphi Museum in Greece. Furthermore, The Art of Ancient Greece includes many of the most important and famous examples of certain styles, techniques, or works themselves; the Venus de Milo and Myron’s Discobolus (discus thrower) are notable examples. Consequently, some illustrations contain nudity, but its appearance is neither extensive nor gratuitous, as it is an important component for understanding ancient Greek culture and art.
Glubok’s work provides a highly serviceable examination of pottery painting, sculpture, architecture (including the Parthenon), jewelry, and coins; the illustrations represent all these art forms. In addition, Glubok provides brief definitions of concepts important to art, such as shape, line, and balance; offers introductory explanations of vase types and terms such as “frieze,” “relief,” and “pediments”; and furnishes notes on the development of artistic styles in the ancient Greek world, particularly black-figure and red-figure painting. Subsequently, the work introduces some Greek words, especially those for the various types of vases, such as the skyphos and kylix (types of drinking cups) and the lekythos and amphora (containers for oil or perfumes), or objects from everyday life, such as the chiton (a type of dress) and the lyre. Glubok fully explains the purpose of these objects, and the illustrations aptly complement the commentary.
The work further explores, in addition to the art and artistic techniques prominent in ancient Greece, the ways in which the art reflects ancient Greek culture. Therefore, the young reader finds an encompassing introduction to mythology and religion, politics, entertainment, some history, and many people important to ancient Greek society. The Art of Ancient Greece covers all artistic periods, from the Minoan-Mycenaean terra cotta figurines of about 2500 b.c. to the imperial Roman copies of earlier Greek statues, and offers an interesting survey on the development of decoration.
Critical Context
Since its initial publication in 1963, The Art of Ancient Greece has been firmly established as an important and comprehensive introduction to the subject matter for young readers. Shirley Glubok’s book successfully makes difficult concepts accessible, provides a solid overview of the issues, and balances the concerns of both art and culture. It thereby provides a means for a young reader to approach ancient Greece within its cultural context. The book also explores the surviving influence of ancient Greek culture.
Glubok’s other works include a series of introductory art books for young readers. Other topics include the art of ancient Egypt, the lands of the Bible, ancient Rome, Africa, Inuits, and North and Central American Indians. Glubok’s books stem from her own training in archaeology and her experience as a teacher of children.
Although there is some necessary nudity in The Art of Ancient Greece, the minor amount should not discourage a younger audience. For an attentive reader, Glubok’s work suggests discussion on many subjects, including polytheistic religion, slavery, military service, and rituals of death and burial. These issues, as well as the sheer prominence and influence of ancient Greek art, introduce a beautiful and sometimes mysterious world that young readers would no doubt find rewarding to explore.