Date of Award
5-26-2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Art
First Advisor
Jane Brown
Abstract
This study considers the rare depiction of frontal faces on ancient Greek vases. Research reveals that most situations where faces appear frontally involve a change of state, either physical or psychological. These experiences are discussed, under the broad divisions of "Changes of State" and "Gorgo and Death." (Gorgo is another name for the gorgon Medusa.) the discussion focuses on Medusa as well as Dionysos and his companions because of their prominence among figures with frontal faces. An overview of disagreement among scholars about the apotropaic power of Medusa's mask-like face is condensed, with notes indicating sources for further reading. A discussion about types of frontal faces ensues. Research confirms that figures depicted with frontal faces are experiencing a change from ordinary circumstances. A surprising result is the message they convey to the spectator: this is what to expect at the border crossing between states of being, and ultimately in death, the final change of state.
Recommended Citation
Beck, Ann G., "Frontal Faces on Archaic and Classical Greek Vases" (2015). Theses and Dissertations. 575.
https://research.ualr.edu/etd/575
