By interrupting the pictorial field’s continuity as meaningful additions to either an individual figure or the space around it, attributes are essential to identify characters in a composition, describe their personality, and characterise places and situations. The iconographic tradition about Ajax relies, in a way that is unparalleled in the Greek and Roman visual culture, on the power of objects (weapons, statues, altars, and tools of daily life) and landscape to convey the sense of action and states of mind. The versatility of Ajax’s personality and the fundamental ambiguity of episodes from his story require deep engagement, on the part of the artist, with the dimension of time and the visual tools that may assist in qualifying permanent/ temporary states. By focusing on a small set of case studies, the paper discusses the role of objects in the construction of Ajax’s image, thus highlighting significant changes in the character’s visual tradition. In doing so, the paper offers new insights into the broader debate about attributes and parergonality in the Greek and Roman figural arts.
A Hero through his Objects: The Construction of Ajax’s Image on Attic Red-figure Vases
Anna Anguissola
2024-01-01
Abstract
By interrupting the pictorial field’s continuity as meaningful additions to either an individual figure or the space around it, attributes are essential to identify characters in a composition, describe their personality, and characterise places and situations. The iconographic tradition about Ajax relies, in a way that is unparalleled in the Greek and Roman visual culture, on the power of objects (weapons, statues, altars, and tools of daily life) and landscape to convey the sense of action and states of mind. The versatility of Ajax’s personality and the fundamental ambiguity of episodes from his story require deep engagement, on the part of the artist, with the dimension of time and the visual tools that may assist in qualifying permanent/ temporary states. By focusing on a small set of case studies, the paper discusses the role of objects in the construction of Ajax’s image, thus highlighting significant changes in the character’s visual tradition. In doing so, the paper offers new insights into the broader debate about attributes and parergonality in the Greek and Roman figural arts.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
