Roman art has become a valuable object of study, not only for its aesthetic qualities, but as a historical source in its own right. It provides us with insights into Roman self-perceptions, value systems, and ways of perceiving the world that complement information taken from written sources. In this Companion, the reader is introduced through Roman art to the daily Roman world, its preoccupations and cultural characteristics.
These socio-historical aspects of Roman art require a contextualized approach, which addresses questions such as its physical and topographical contexts (houses and villas, tombs and public spaces etc.), patronage and intentions, the reception of art by various groups of viewers and users under various circumstances and conditions. The book includes sections focusing on, methodology and approaches, genres, contexts of display and usage of art, and on its modern reception and utilization. The authors are a global group of scholars, and their contributions reflect a diverse set of national academic traditions and approaches to our understanding of Roman art.
