“Ludus naturae”: shells as sculpted motifs in Ancient Greek art
https://doi.org/10.28995/2686-7249-2023-1-155-168
Abstract
In this article, I trace the various ways Ancient Greek artisans used seashell-motifs, and how they interpreted these natural forms in artistic contexts. The reason for the popularity of seashells lies in their visual and haptic variety, their wealth of association, and the device of something secret hidden under the hard outer shell. I examine three possible variants of the motif’s treatment in relief and volume: the shell-container as part of a vessel, the shell as an independent container, the shell as a sculpted motif on a vessel.
Of particular interest are the vases where the integration of shell and vessel is especially marked, such as plastic aryballoi, lekythoi and other types (often with the inclusion of mythological subjects, such as the birth of Aphrodite). Terracotta and metal pyxides are also considered. Alongside these, I examine the rare “marble shells”, stone vessels carved in the intricate shape of “pelican’s foot” shells.
About the Author
T. P. Kisbali
Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Tamás Péter Kisbali, Cand. of Sci. (Art Studies)
27-4, Lomonosovsky Av., Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Kisbali T.P. “Ludus naturae”: shells as sculpted motifs in Ancient Greek art. RSUH/RGGU Bulletin: “Literary Teory. Linguistics. Cultural Studies”, Series. 2023;(1(2)):155-168. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2686-7249-2023-1-155-168
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