A study of Greek art from the 8th-2nd century BC.

Considers how Greek art was inextricably bound up with the political, religious, philosophical and social circumstances of the period.
Draws on the author`s first-hand experience of Greek archaeological sites.
Covers the full range of Greek art - sculpture, pottery, architecture, metalwork and wall-paintings - from the 8th to the 2nd century BC.

Nigel Spivey sets the formation of the classical style in its proper historical context. He explores the question of how Greek art was inextricably bound up with the social, religious, philosophical and political factors of the period and explains the art not only in terms of those who commissioned and created it, but also with reference to the archaeology of the places which hosted it.