16 Plutarch and Pliny the Elder: Rome, Art, and Artworks
In: Plutarch and his ContemporariesSearch for other papers by Eva Falaschi in
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Abstract
Many studies have been dedicated to the description of Rome in ancient sources and to the presence of artworks in the city, especially Greek masterpieces. Plutarch’s works contribute to this discussion, providing information on specific artworks and monuments within the Urbs, but also sharing his perspective on them with his contemporaries. A comparison with Pliny the Elder’s view of the city, which plays an important role in establishing the structure and themes of the Naturalis historia, offers interesting food for thought. This is true not only for art in Rome: a comparison of Plutarch’s and Pliny’s views of art can bring new light to some of the frequent mentions of artwork, art theories and artistic techniques scattered throughout the biographer’s works. The portrayal of physical defects is discussed here as a key example.