Antiquities of Athens: Measured and Delineated by James Stuart and Nicholas Revett, Painters and Architects

by James Stuart, Nicholas Revett, Frank Salmon (Introduction)

James "Athenian" Stuart and Nicholas Revett's monumental Antiquities of Athens was the first accurate survey of ancient Greek architecture ever completed. Based on precise measured drawings done at the sites of the ancient ruins between 1751 and 1754, these books set a new standard for archaeological investigation in the eighteenth century. In doing so, they also transformed our understanding of Greek architecture and by pointing up differences between Greek and Roman examples fundamentally challenged prevailing notions about a universal classical ideal and fueled the Greek Revival movement that dominated British, European, and American architecture and design for over a century. Originally published in four volumes that appeared between 1762 and 1816, Stuart and Revett's masterwork is presented here in its entirety as part of our Classic Reprint series and features a new introduction by scholar Frank Salmon. With its many images of buildings, plans, sculpture, friezes, and decorative objects such as vases, it remains the logical starting point for anyone interested in Athens, Greece, and its influence on the history of Western architecture.

Published in association with The Institute of Classical Architecture and Classical America.

Genres: Architecture

496 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1762

About the author

James Stuart (1713 - 1788)...

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the second edition which was published in the late 19th century about 100 years after the first edition. My impression is someone took great liberties in rewriting sections of this book. In one case an entire section is removed because another writer had published a better description of a structure. The voice of this book references researchers many years after Stuart. I did not find reference to who may have rewritten the second edition.

Also to note is the images in the second edition are very small. It looks as if the images have been shrunk from the original size. It is difficult to read many of the markings. There is great detail in the drawings which would be best viewed in large plates.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stuart and Revett! Stuart and Revett! Where do you always find the answers? What is the first thing you consult? Ahh yes, our dear friends, Stuart and Revett." Gotta love Lothar.