LFU:online

Critical assessment of different kinds of sources that inform historical reconstructions; writing of an essay; development of analytical perspectives and own critical points of view.

Whether they sacrificed in the sanctuaries or participated in processions, attended private drinking parties, or buried their dead, the Athenians lived in a highly complex visual culture. This culture encompassed public monuments, which commemorated historical events and visualized timeless ideals or publicized political and administrative acts; painted drinking vessels, for which thousands of images of life and myth were produced; as well as cult and votive statues in the sanctuaries or reliefs and stelae in the necropoleis, which served not only private commemoration but also societal representation. Athenian visual culture also included the ephemeral images that were embodied through processions, performances, and rituals and often referenced material images and monuments.

However, both material and performative images are never mere ‘depictions’. Images require perception and serve as means of communication, express ideas, ideals and mentalities, and feature agency in social life. Moreover, images are never self-evident. As historians and archaeologists, we need specific tools in dealing with images as sources and reconstructing their contexts. In the course, we will start from case-study objects and groups of objects to approach visual culture from different methodological and theoretical perspectives, we will combine and confront visual and textual sources and discuss key literature.

Combination of lecture, reading tasks, exercises and group work.

Evaluation of exercises and participation in discussions, reading tasks and final essay.

Relevant literature will be announced during the course.

Online registration required. Limited number of participants.