EuroWeb Book Corner – Textiles in Ancient Mediterranean Iconography

In the fifth edition of the “EuroWeb Book Corner” we are pleased to welcome EuroWeb members Susanna Harris, Cecilie Brøns & Marta Żuchowska who will be presenting their recent edited volume “Textiles in Ancient Mediterranean Iconography”, published by Oxbow (2022) as part of the “Ancient Textiles” Series.

Synopsis by the publisher:

«This volume provides an ambitious synopsis of the complex, colourful world of textiles in ancient Mediterranean iconography. A wealth of information on ancient textiles is available from depictions such as sculpture, vase painting, figurines, reliefs and mosaics. Commonly represented in clothing, textiles are also present in furnishings and through the processes of textile production. The challenge for anyone analysing ancient iconography is determining how we interpret what we see. As preserved textiles rarely survive in comparable forms, we must consider the extent to which representations of textiles reflect reality, and critically evaluate the sources. Images are not simple replicas or photographs of reality. Instead, iconography draws on select elements from the surrounding world that were recognisable to the ancient audience, and reveal the perceptions, ideologies, and ideas of the society in which they were produced. Through examining the durable evidence, this anthology reveals the ephemeral world of textiles and their integral role in the daily life, cult and economy of the ancient Mediterranean.»

(Oxbow Books – https://www.oxbowbooks.com/oxbow/crafting-minoanisation.html)

Learn more about this major new reference volume which opens new avenues to the study of ancient textiles and dress by exploring such a key source as iconography, and pose all your questions to our speakers in the final Q&A session of our “Book Corner” on the 7th of June 2022, at 15:00 (CET). Registration is available here.