World of Art: Greek Art

“One of the very best short histories of Greek Art.” ― The Financial Times

John Boardman, one of the best known and acknowledged scholars of the classical Greek world, has updated his definitive survey of its arts, the most influential and widely known historic artistic tradition of the Old World. In the twenty years since the last edition was released, valuable evidence has come to light which has dramatically enhanced our understanding of the arts of ancient Greece and their influence.

It is now known that Greek artists completed their stone sculptures with realistic color, as well as working with a wealth of other materials. This proves that the romantic notion of an age of classic, pure white marble is a Renaissance construction which has persisted to the present day. The work of individual artists, as well as schools of artists, can be identified, creating a clearer picture than ever before of how art and artistic traditions traveled throughout the Greek world and beyond it.

Boardman encourages the reader to consider the masterpieces that have been preserved in their original context. He weaves into his discussion of the arts insights into the society that produced them. Illustrated in full color throughout for the first time, this fifth edition demonstrates yet more vividly the artistic aims and achievements of ancient Greece.