The Invisible Colors of Classical Marble Sculpture

About this course:

While the colors of ancient marble sculptures have been studied for over 250 years, they have yet to become part of our collective cultural memory. Modern viewers value the beauty of unpainted marble, and few are aware that statues were originally colorful. In this course, we explore color as essential to the various functions of classical sculpture—religious, commemorative, ideological, or emotive. A review of the traditions of classical reception that shaped our modern responses to ancient sculpture is followed by a look at what researchers know (and do not know) about classical polychromy. We look at ancient pigments, application techniques, and most importantly, the reasons why sculptures were painted. Finally, we compare ancient and modern concepts and experiences of color. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.