The human image in the Iron Age iconography of Gaul
This thesis studies the use and development of anthropomorphic iconography in Iron Age Gaul, up to the beginning of the Roman period. The principal focus is on freestanding human imagery. Art, and in particular religious art, is for many societies a critical feature in the definition of cultural identity. It is the contention of this study, therefore, that a better understanding of the changes in the iconography of this period will furnish us with a better comprehension of changes within Iron Age societies themselves. In particular, it is considered whether the anthropomorphic representation of gods is essentially a post-conquest phenomenon, or whether post-conquest religious art built upon earlier, Iron Age traditions. In order to assess these aspects three case study areas (Armorica, Central Gaul and South-West Gaul) were selected on the basis of concentrations of images in these areas. In each of these areas the depiction of anthropomorphic and associated imagery on other media, such as metalwork, is assessed in order to identify any regional trends. In addition free-standing human imagery of the same period from regions outside Gaul is considered in order to identify any wider trends. The free-standing
Roper, Simon
Iron age ; Prehistoric Man ; Iconography
The human image in the Iron Age iconography of Gaul. This thesis studies the use and development of anthropomorphic iconography in Iron Age Gaul, up to the beginning of the Roman period. The principal focus is on freestanding human imagery. Art, and in particular religious art, is for many societies a critical feature in the definition of cultural identity. It is the contention of this study, therefore, that a better understanding of the changes in the iconography of this period will furnish us with a better comprehension of changes within Iron Age societies themselves. In particular, it is considered whether the anthropomorphic representation of gods is essentially a post-conquest phenomenon, or whether post-conquest religious art built upon earlier, Iron Age traditions. In order to assess these aspects three case study areas (Armorica, Central Gaul and South-West Gaul) were selected on the basis of concentrations of images in these areas. In each of these areas the depiction of anthropomorphic and associated imagery on other media, such as metalwork, is assessed in order to identify any regional trends. In addition free-standing human imagery of the same period from regions outside Gaul is considered in order to identify any wider trends. The free-standing
human image iron_age iconography gaul study use development anthropomorphic iconography iron_age gaul begin roman_period principal_focus human imagery art particular religious art many society critical feature definition cultural_identity contention study_therefore good change iconography period furnish good comprehension change within iron_age societies themselves particular consider_whether anthropomorphic representation god essentially post_conquest phenomenon whether post_conquest religious art build_upon early_iron_age tradition order_ass aspect three_case study_area central gaul south_west gaul select basis concentration image area area depiction anthropomorphic associate imagery medium metalwork assess order_identify regional trend addition free_standing human imagery period region outside gaul consider order_identify wider trend free_standing