Event Summary
Arguably, marriage was the most important social rite of passage in ancient Athens: not only did it preserve the household (oikos), but also it allowed for the procreation of legitimate citizens to serve the greater community (polis). Studying how this event was visualized, therefore, informs modern scholars about the broader social dynamics of households and society within this ancient community. The following lecture will present an overview of nuptial scenes on Athenian vases from the sixth through the fifth centuries BC. Though idealization is often considered a hallmark of ancient Greek art, especially with regards to the representation of the human form, this presentation will reveal how idealized marital images propagate unexpected mythological, sexual, and utopic themes.
Location and Address
208B Cathedral of Learning