Roman Portraiture at Aphrodisias

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the central trajectory of this research is to explore and discuss the differences in views and interpretations of male and female statues and portraiture at the Roman archaeological site of Aphrodisias, Turkey. The author points out that the contemporary perceptions of the actual and intended meaning and interpretation of an ancient work of art may not be the meaning as it was intended at the time. The paper relates perceptions, which will form an important part of the research are (1) the differences between men and women in Late Greek and Roman sculpture, (2) changing attitudes seen in later Greek and Roman society as reflected in their art especially (3) the sense of freedom in emerging democratization and the concomitant sense of individual independence.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Interpretations and Context
Aphrodisias and Gender Portrayal

From the Paper:

"Another theoretical area that will be included in the assessment of the artworks is contemporary awareness of "master narratives', as an important aspect affecting the perception of the works. In brief, this refers to an awareness of a more deconstructive assessment and perspective relating to the possibilities of misinterpretation and the overlaying of modern assumptions over the essential meaning of the artworks. Questions that have to be asked in this regard include: is the emotional response to the sculptures or statues determined by our particular historical and cultural milieu; to what extent is it possible to understand Roman sculpture within the framework in which it was created?"

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