The moral mirror of Roman art
By: Rabun Taylor.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2008
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 274
ISBN-13: 9780521866125
Subjects: Mirrors in art; Mirrors in literature; Art and morals; Arts and society -- Rome
Description: This interdisciplinary study explores the meanings of mirrors and reflections in Roman art and society. When used as metaphors in Roman visual and literary discourses, mirrors had a strongly moral force, reflecting not random reality but rather a carefully filtered imagery with a didactic message. Focusing on examples found in mythical narrative, religious devotion, social interaction, and gender relations, Rabun Taylor demonstrates that reflections served as powerful symbols of personal change. Thus, in both art and literature, a reflection may be present during moments of a protagonist's inner or outer transformation.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.