
H 245 x W 174 mm
94 pages
60 figures (colour throughout)
Published Dec 2023
ISBN
Paperback: 9781803276946
Digital: 9781803276953
Keywords
Gandhara; Buddhism; Art; Sculpture; Classical; South Asia; Central Asia; Mediterranean
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This book offers an introduction to Gandharan art and the mystery of its relationship with the Graeco-Roman world of the Mediterranean. It presents an accessible explanation of the ancient and modern contexts of Gandharan art, the state of scholarship on the subject, and guidance for further, in-depth study.
Preface
Chapter 1. What is Gandharan Art?
Chapter 2. Greece, Rome and Gandhara
Chapter 3. Gandharan Art Today
Further Reading and Resources
Bibliography
Full Captions and Image Credits
Peter Stewart is Director of the Classical Art Research Centre and Professor of Ancient Art at the University of Oxford. A specialist in Roman sculpture, he has devoted much of his research to the spread of the classical artistic tradition in and beyond the provinces of the Roman Empire. His publications include Statues in Roman Society: Representation and Response (2003), The Social History of Roman Art (2008) and, together with Wannaporn Rienjang, the edited volumes of the Gandhara Connections project.
'In Gandharan Art and the Classical World: A Short Introduction, Peter Stewart takes on the difficult task to touch upon the complexity of Gandharan art within a concise and accessible academic introduction... While not critically reviewing classical Gandharan scholarship, the overview of the development of art historical Gandharan studies will be helpful and accessible for students as well as for those of general interest.' – Marike van Aerde (2024): Bryn Mawr Classical Review
'Overall, Gandharan Art and the Classical World: A Short Introduction proves to be a successful introduction in every respect, whose significance extends far beyond its length. It combines analytical depth with exceptional accessibility — not least through its open publication format, the affordable price of just under 23 euros including the PDF, and the possibility of using the book both in print and as open access. The fact that the volume is now also available in a Chinese translation and that an Urdu edition is in preparation underscores its international reach and relevance.
Precisely because of its clearly defined focus, the book belongs in every art historical and archaeological library and is likely to make a lasting contribution to establishing Gandharan art as an integral part of ancient art and cultural history.' – Gunvor Lindström (2026): Redaktion sehepunkte