Shaky Ground Context, Connoisseurship and the History of Roman Art

by Marlowe, Elizabeth

• ISBN13: 9780715640647
• ISBN10: 071564064X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-12-05
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Academic

Summary

The recent crisis in the world of antiquities collecting has prompted scholars and the general public to pay more attention than ever before to the questions of archaeological findspots and collecting history for newly found objects. When it comes to famous works that have been in major museums for many generations, such questions are rarely asked. Canonical pieces like Barberini Togatus for the Fonseca bust of a Flavian lady appear in virtually every textbook on Roman art. But we have no more certainty about these works's archaeological origins than we do about those that appear in auction catalogues today. This book argues that the question of archaeological origins should be the first one asked not only by museum acquisitions boards but by scholars as well.

Author Biography

Elizabeth Marlowe is Assistant Professor of Art and Art History at Colgate University, USA.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1: Histories Ancient and Modern
Chapter 2: Indifference to Context
Chapter 3: Lessons Not Learned
Chapter 4: Connoisseurship and Class
Chapter 5: Red Herrings
Conclusion: Best Practices
Bibliography
Index