| Dress and the Roman Woman: Self-Presentation and Society Contributor(s): Olson, Kelly (Author) |
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ISBN: 0415414768 ISBN-13: 9780415414760 Publisher: Routledge OUR PRICE: $49.39 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: June 2008 Annotation: In ancient Rome, the subtlest details in dress distinguished between levels of hierarchy. Clothes were a key part of the sign systems of Roman civilisation - a central aspect of its visual language, for women as well as men. This engaging book collects and examines literary references and artistic evidence to female clothing, cosmetics and ornament in Roman antiquity to decipher their meaning and reveal what it meant to be an adorned woman in Roman society. Cosmetics, ornament and fashion were often considered frivolous, wasteful or deceptive, which reflects ancient views about women; but, Kelly Olson argues, women often enjoyed fashioning themselves and many treated adornment as a significant activity, enjoying the social status, influence and power that it signified. This study makes a significant contribution our knowledge of Roman women, and will be essential reading for anyone interested in ancient Roman life. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - History | Ancient - Rome - Social Science | Women's Studies - History | Social History |
| Dewey: 391.209 |
| LCCN: 2007045345 |
| Physical Information: 0.4" H x 6.1" W x 9.1" (0.75 lbs) 14 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - Ancient (To 499 A.D.) - Cultural Region - Italy - Sex & Gender - Feminine |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: In ancient Rome, the subtlest details in dress helped to distinguish between levels of social and moral hierarchy. Clothes were a key part of the sign systems of Roman civilization - a central aspect of its visual language, for women as well as men. This engaging book collects and examines artistic evidence and literary references to female clothing, cosmetics and ornament in Roman antiquity, deciphering their meaning and revealing what it meant to be an adorned woman in Roman society. Cosmetics, ornaments and fashion were often considered frivolous, wasteful or deceptive, which reflects ancient views about the nature of women. However, Kelly Olson uses literary evidence to argue that women often took pleasure in fashioning themselves, and many treated adornment as a significant activity, enjoying the social status, influence and power that it signified. This study makes an important contribution to our knowledge of Roman women and is essential reading for anyone interested in ancient Roman life. |
