Swift, Ellen.

Style and function in Roman decoration : living with objects and interiors / Ellen Swift.

Burlington, VT : Ashgate, 2009.

xii, 231 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

"This important book puts forward a new interpretation of Roman decorative art, focusing on the function of decoration in the social context. It examines the three principal areas of social display and conspicuous consumption in the Roman world: social space, entertainment, and dress, and discusses the significance of the decoration of objects and interiors within these contexts, drawing examples from both Rome and its environs, and the Western provinces, from the early Imperial period to Late Antiquity. Focusing on specific examples, including mosaics and other interior décor, silver plate, glass and pottery vessels, and jewellery and other dress accessories, Swift demonstrates the importance of decoration in creating and maintaining social networks and identities and fostering appropriate social behaviour, and its role in perpetuating social convention and social norms. It is argued that our understanding of stylistic change and the relationship between this and the wider social context in the art of the Roman period is greatly enhanced by an initial focus on the particular social relationships fostered by decorated objects and spaces. The book demonstrates that an examination of so-called 'minor art' is fundamental in any understanding of the relationship between art and its social context, and aims to reinvigorate debate on the value of decoration and ornament in the Roman period and beyond."--Jacket.

9780754665632 (hardback ; alk. paper)
0754665631 (hardback ; alk. paper)

Decorative arts Social aspects Rome.
Interior decoration Social aspects Rome.
Arts décoratifs Aspect social Rome.
Décoration intérieure Aspect social Rome.
Decorative arts Social aspects.
Interior decoration Social aspects.
Manners and customs.
Dekorative Malerei
Kunsthandwerk
Decoration and ornament Rome.
Konsthantverk sociala aspekter historia Romerska riket.
Inredning sociala aspekter historia Romerska riket.
Rome Social life and customs.
Rome (Empire)
Römisches Reich
Romerska riket vardagsliv och traditioner.

Localisation: Bibliothèque main 262041
Cote: BIB 193097
Statut: Disponible