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Review of Jaakkojuhani Peltonen. 2024. Masculine Ideals and Alexander the Great: An Exemplary Man in the Roman and Medieval World. London and New York: Routledge. Pp. 284. Hardback. (ISBN 9781032523767) $190.
No full textSound Unheard (Standard)
No full texthttps://crossworks.holycross.edu/photographing_antiquity/1002/thumbnail.jp
Unknown Journeys (Creative)
No full textThe glass elephant tray, with its intricate blue swirls and delicate form, catches the eye. Yet it is the broken ear—a subtle but striking detail—that draws one in. This imperfection invites viewers to look beyond the object’s decorative surface, shifting attention to the stories and mysteries embedded in its fractured history.
While initially appearing to be a flaw, the broken ear is a profound symbol of resilience and the passage of time. This imperfection invites us to ponder the journey it has undertaken—perhaps it was a cherished keepsake, a silent witness to countless conversations, or a relic of generations past. The broken ear, far from diminishing its value, enhances its narrative, suggesting a life lived fully, with all its stories etched by time.
With its broken ear, the glass elephant tray stands as a testament to the transient nature of our possessions. This single object challenges us to look beyond the surface, to appreciate the beauty in imperfection, and to acknowledge the unknown journeys that shape the things we often take for granted.
In photographing the object, I deliberately positioned it to highlight the contrast between the broken and intact ear, capturing the object from both the back left and right corners. The lighting was carefully set to bring out the glass\u27s blue swirls, drawing attention to the imperfection. Through these choices, I aimed to emphasize the quiet story of resilience told by the broken ear, inviting viewers to reflect on the elephant’s journey.https://crossworks.holycross.edu/photographing_antiquity/1040/thumbnail.jp
Geometric Wonder: Appreciation for a Small Bowl (Standard)
No full texthttps://crossworks.holycross.edu/photographing_antiquity/1057/thumbnail.jp
Geometric Wonder: Appreciation for a Small Bowl (Creative)
No full textThe object is a small metal bowl with an intricate geometric pattern circling its entirety and a slightly raised rim and raised bottom. The bowl itself has a copper color, and the design features a lighter golden color. It bears marks of use, with an oxidized or rusted spot near the rim of the inside, as well as a circular area on the bowl where the pattern has worn off, potentially matching the spot where a thumb would have rested when held.
I am drawn to this object for the beautiful pattern and its signs of use. In my photos, I focused on these aspects. In the first photo, I captured with close attention to the bowl’s color and pattern. I enhanced the saturation and contrast to highlight the pattern while using a black background with shining dust spots, brought out in processing, to frame the object. In the second photo, I focused on the use marks of the bowl. Cropping some sections of the photograph honed in on these features, and I edited it to maintain its beautiful color. When creating these photos, I appreciated these little marks on an object that could go easily ignored. What other small things could be made more beautiful if we only paid more attention to them?https://crossworks.holycross.edu/photographing_antiquity/1058/thumbnail.jp
The Golden Pup Lost in Time (Standard)
No full texthttps://crossworks.holycross.edu/photographing_antiquity/1049/thumbnail.jp
Part of The Whole (Creative)
No full textThis object features an elegant arrangement of beads connected to one another by a string. Most of the beads are oddly shaped but some of them have been chipped. The chippings could have happened when the object was dropped before. The audience can only imagine different uses for the object. I photographed the object in this way because I wanted to focus on the color and the few chippings. This side of the object caught my eye immediately. The white background really displays the vibrant red and brown colors. The string attaching all the beads is also visually seen from this side as well. It was important for me to show the individuality of each of the beads on this side. The beads consist of either red or brown and the majority of the beads are chipped.https://crossworks.holycross.edu/photographing_antiquity/1022/thumbnail.jp
An Aulete Takes Flight: The Iconography of Music and Myth in a Myrina-Type Terracotta in the Mead Art Museum
Full text linkA Myrina-type terracotta figurine of a flying aulete held in Amherst College’s Mead Art Museum exemplifies a new body of evidence relevant to the study of ancient Greek music. I propose that this coarse figurine indicates possible musical funerary practices of Myrina and that the aulete may be a depiction of the god Eros. As the aulos inhabits a complex space in Greek social thought, a connection between Eros and the aulos would open up new ways of understanding how the ancient Greeks received and understood Eros as a god through music and sound
Review of Julie Stone Peters. 2022. Law as Performance. Theatricality, Spectatorship, and the Making of Law in Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern Europe. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Pp. xv, 350. Hardcover. (ISBN 9780192898494) $130.
Full text linkShe Who Trades in Nature’s Gifts (Creative)
No full textThis photograph captures a small figurine of a woman standing gracefully, holding a basket in one hand and gathering her skirt with the other. Her vibrant red bodice, floral-patterned skirt, and poised stance emphasize the intricate craftsmanship in her design. The interplay of vivid colors and soft textures draws attention to her lifelike quality, sparking curiosity about the choices and craftsmanship that brought her to life.
The delicate floral patterns and gentle folds of her skirt reflect a careful artistic process, while the slight discolorations in her paint hint at age, wear, or the unique characteristics of handcrafted work. Each detail suggests patience and skill, with layers of color and texture forming a visual narrative about her creation. These subtle variations add depth to her appearance, encouraging speculation about the techniques and decisions involved in crafting such a meticulous piece. To further bring her story to life, the props were included in the photograph to highlight her role as a fruit and vegetable seller, emphasizing both the natural and resourceful purpose she would have served within her community and the significance of the figurine itself.
To highlight these features, I used a camera setting of 1/8 shutter speed, F18 aperture, and ISO 200. This allowed me to capture the rich textures and imperfections with clarity, showcasing the figurine\u27s artistry while preserving its historical character. Through this image, the figurine offers a glimpse into the past, inviting quiet contemplation of the stories and care woven into its creation.https://crossworks.holycross.edu/photographing_antiquity/1036/thumbnail.jp