Description

There have been many accounts of prehistoric 'art', but nearly all of them begin by assuming that the concept is a useful one. In this extensively illustrated study, Richard Bradley asks why ancient objects were created and when and how they were used. He considers how the first definitions of prehistoric artworks were made, and the ways in which they might be related to practices in the visual arts today Extended case studies of two immensely popular and much-visited sites illustrate his argument: one considers the megalithic tombs of Western Europe, whilst the other investigates the decorated metalwork and rock carvings of Bronze Age Scandinavia.

Features

• Explains how studies of ancient art can be integrated into the mainstream of prehistoric archaeology
• A clearly written review of a complex subject which will be of interest to museum and heritage professionals as well as to academics
• Extensively illustrated with specially chosen drawings and photographs

Product Details

280 pages; 84 black & white illus.; 6-1/4 x 9-1/4; ISBN13: 978-0-19-953385-5ISBN10: 0-19-953385-7

About the Author(s)