Description
In this richly illustrated book, the story of Troy is told through a new lens. Published to accompany an exhibition at the British Museum, it introduces the storytellers and Classical artists inspired by the myths of Troy, then examines the tales themselves - from the Judgment of Paris to the return of Odysseus - through the Classical objects for which the museum is internationally known. The third section focuses on Heinrich Schliemann's excavations at Hissarlik, introducing the nineteenth-century search for the location of Troy that convinced the world that this city did once exist. Also explored is the possible Bronze Age background for the myth of the Trojan War, the historicity of which remains unresolved today. The final section delves into the legacy of Troy, and the different ways in which its story has been retold, both in literature and art, from Homer to the present day. Focusing on the major characters - Helen of Troy, Achilles and Hector, Aeneas and Odysseus - it illustrates how artists from Cranach and Rubens to Romare Bearden and Cy Twombly have been inspired by this archetypal tale to reflect on contemporary themes of war and heroism, love and beauty.
Published to accompany the British Museum's blockbuster exhibition, this book sheds new light on a fascinating story that has resonated for more than 3,000 years of human existence
About the Author
Alexandra Villing is a Curator of the Greek collections in the Department of Greece and Rome at the British Museum. Dr Lesley Fitton is Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Greece and Rome at the British Museum. Victoria Donnellan is Project Curator for the Troy exhibition. Andrew Shapland is Curator of the Aegean World and Classical Greek collections at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.
Book Information
ISBN 9780500480588
Author Alexandra Villing
Format Paperback
Page Count 312
Imprint Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Weight(grams) 1710g