Images of Ancient Greek Pederasty: Boys were their Gods

by Andrew Lear, Eva Cantarella

This lavishly illustrated book brings together, for the first time, all of the different ways in which vase-painting portrays or refers to pederasty, from scenes of courtship, foreplay, and sex, to scenes of Zeus with his boy-love Ganymede, to painted inscriptions praising the beauty of boys. The book shows how painters used the language of vase-painting to cast pederasty in an idealizing light, portraying it as part of a world in which beautiful elite males display praiseworthy attitudes, such as moderation, and engage in approved activities, such as hunting, athletics, and the symposium. The book also incorporates a comprehensive catalogue of relevant vase-paintings, compiled by noted archaeologist Keith DeVries. It is the most comprehensive treatment available of an institution that has few modern parallels.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, LGBT

262 pages, Hardcover

First published July 25, 2004

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now see the vases and images in a different way. I can understand them. It was well written with lots of references and careful dissection of the images and what they mean.

I see so much more now thanks to this book.