Reviews for Ancient art and ritual

The average rating for Ancient art and ritual based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2014-07-29 00:00:00 William Wood This book is a scholarly read and Jane Harrison shows how man has always dealt with rituals to celebrate new life or some rite of passage. He could be seen enraptured in a dance or a song as he asks the gods to show mercy for rain, a healing or for food. She shows how these ancient rituals evolved into art forms such as choral readings, dance forms and even drama itself. Also, Greek sculpture was developed as a demure way to give homage to the gods. The one common thread behind all of the art forms was high emotional energy because the needs were so great. She then moves towards the premise that art is borne out of emotion and when man has a dire need, he becomes active and participatory. She then shifts to the artist himself and says he speaks when he is vexed or his feelings are deeply stirred. It is the artist's duty to transfer those feelings into some medium and this expression will eventually be seen as a spoken truth whether done through writing, painting or drama. The artist normally has a keener emotion and though often perceived as somewhat removed or aloof from practical life, it is his responsibility to tell what he sees and feels.

Review # 2 was written on 2015-08-20 00:00:00 James Farrell Informative. It is an academic read, but fits in with everything I have studied.