Start Date
17 October, 2024
There will be 3 weekly meetings on Thursday, 2- 4pm starting from 17 October.
Overview
Embark on a journey through the captivating depictions of the natural world in ancient Greek art with our engaging course! Spanning approximately 1500 years, from the Greek Bronze Age to the Classical Period, each session will delve into the rich imagery of animals, birds, and insects prevalent in ancient Greek artwork.
Explore the diverse array of real and mythological creatures immortalised in ancient Greek art, uncovering their practical and symbolic significance within archaeological contexts. From the water-birds adorning pottery in the Early Iron Age to the majestic horses revered from the Bronze Age to the Classical period, learn about the fascinating role of animals in ancient Greek society.
Through intriguing discoveries like the pair of golden bees from Bronze Age Crete and the beloved pets of Classical Greek children, this course aims to cultivate participants' understanding of animal depiction in Prehistoric Aegean and Ancient Greek art, offering insights into the varied contexts in which these creatures were portrayed. No prior knowledge is necessary—just a curiosity to explore the intricate relationship between art and nature. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of ancient Greek artistry and gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which these timeless images resonate with viewers across millennia.
Syllabus
Session 1
What do we mean by the ‘Ancient Greek World’?
Animals in Minoan, Mycenaean and Cycladic art of the 2nd millennium BCE
Animals in Greek Art from the 8th to 4th centuries BCE
Session 2
Birds in Minoan, Mycenaean and Cycladic art of the 2nd millennium BCE
Birds in Greek Art from the 8th to 4th centuries BCE
Session 3
Insects in the art of the Prehistoric Aegean and Ancient Greece
The depiction of mythical creatures – sphinx, griffin, chimaera and many more
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Course Lecturer: Dr Gina Muskett
Gina Muskett has a long association with the University of Liverpool as a former lecturer in the department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology and at present is an Honorary Research Fellow in the department of History. She was also formerly Curator of Classical Antiquities at National Museums Liverpool, where, as an Honorary Research Associate, she continues to research the collections.
Gina is the author of several academic publications as well as writing for a more general market in both the UK and US. She is one of the contributors to ‘The History of Archaeology: an Introduction’, edited by Paul Bahn, which was Current Archaeology’s Book of the Year in 2015.
Courses fees: Full fee £50/Concession £30.
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