The Berkeley Plato : from neglected relic to ancient treasure : an archaeological detective story

by: Miller, S.G.

Price: 75,00 EURO

(in stock)

 This book explores the provenance of the so-called Berkeley Herm of Plato, a sculptural portrait that Stephen G. Miller first encountered over thirty years ago in a university storage basement. The head, languishing since its arrival in 1902, had become detached from the body, or herm, and had been labeled a fake. In 2002, while preparing another book, Miller - now an experienced archaeologist - needed an illustration of Plato, remembered this piece, and took another look. The marble, he recognized immediately, was from the Greek islands, the inscription appeared ancient, and the ribbons visible on the head were typical of those in Greek athletic scenes."The Berkeley Plato", rich in scientific, archaeological, and historical detail, tells the fascinating story of how Miller was able to authenticate this long-dismissed treasure. His conclusion, that it is an ancient Roman copy possibly dating from the time of Hadrian, is further supported by art conservation scientist John Twilley, whose essay appears as an appendix. Miller's discovery makes a significant contribution to the worlds of art history, philosophy, archaeology, and sports history and will serve as a starting point for new research in the back rooms of museums.

Contents:
History of acquisition and the first century in California
Description of the artifact
Pertinence of the head
The inscription
The Seven Sages
The Tivoli Plato
The Berkeley Plato and the Renaissance
Portraits of Plato
The Berkeley Plato and the Akademy
Ribbons
Plato and ribbons
Why Plato and ribbons
Conclusion
Appendix A: The square-omicron and square-theta portrait herms from Tivoli
Appendix B: Technical and scientific analysis / by John Twilley

Subjects:
1900-1999
ART Sculpture & Installation
Antiquités gréco-romaines Conservation et restauration Californie Berkeley Histoire 20e siècle
California Berkeley
Classical antiquities Conservation and restoration
Classical antiquities Conservation and restoration California Berkeley History 20th century
Hermae
Hermès
History
Inscriptions grecques
Inscriptions, Greek
Italy Tivoli
Phoebe Apperson Hearst Museum of Anthropology
Phoebe Apperson Hearst Museum of Anthropology History 20th century
Plato
Plato Portraits
Portrait sculpture, Classical
Portrait sculpture, Classical California Berkeley
Portrait sculpture, Classical Italy Tivoli
Portraits
SOCIAL SCIENCE Archaeology
Sculpture de portraits antique Californie Berkeley
Sculpture de portraits antique Italie Tivoli
herms

Series:
Joan Palevsky imprint in classical literature

The Berkeley Plato : from neglected relic to ancient treasure : an archaeological detective story

by: Miller, S.G.

• ISBN-13: 9780520258334 / 978-0-520-25833-4
• ISBN-03: 0520258339 / 0-520-25833-9
• University of California Press, Berkeley, 2009

Price: 75,00 EURO

(in stock)