Image and Audience

There have been many accounts of prehistoric 'art', but nearly all of them begin by assuming that the concept is a useful one. In this extensively illustrated study, Richard Bradley asks why ancient objects were created and when and how they were used. He considers how the first definitions of prehistoric artworks were made, and the ways in which they might be related to practices in the visual arts today. Extended case studies of two immensely popular and much-visited sites illustrate his argument: one considers the megalithic tombs of Western Europe, whilst the other investigates the decorated metalwork and rock carvings of Bronze Age Scandinavia.

ISBN 0199533857   Pages 280 ISBN13 9780199533855 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher Oxford University Press   Weight (grammes) 623 Imprint Oxford University Press   Published in Oxford Format Hardback   Height (mm) 240 Publication date 12 Mar 2009   Width (mm) 160 DEWEY 709.0112   Spine width (mm) 18 DEWEY edition DC22   Academic level Postgraduate

		Figures
		Tables
Pt. 1		The Problem With Prehistoric Art
1		The Division of the Spoils		3
2		Pattern and Purpose		26
Pt. II		Image and Audience in Megalithic Art
3		Notes from Underground		51
4		The Lives of Statues		77
5		In Open Country		98
Pt. III		Image and Audience in Bronze Age Scandinavia
6		Ships on Bronzes: Ships on Stones		125
7		Crossing the Water		150
8		The Origin of Fire		176
Pt. IV		Prehistoric Art and Archaeology
9		Losses in Translation		203
		References		235
		Index		257

A reviewer of one of Bradley's earliest books commented that he could only find one fault in it - that the author had the trick of making what he wrote seem so easy and natural. It is a talent that he has maintained, making any of his major works, including this, immediately take its place as a leading contribution to the field with which it engages. Time and Mind Bradley's book is stimulating and his arguments clearly exposed. This journey through later prehistoric art which Bradley invites fellow travellers to join may produce different, reactions, but it is certainly a voyage worth undertaking. Madeleine Hummler, Antiquity Yet another fine book from Bradley... An excellent informative read. George Nash, British Archaeology An attractive book which many of us would want in our libraries John Collis Richard Bradley ... begins his intriguing new book by challenging the readiness of prehistoric archaeologists Alasdair Whittle Image and Audience certainly functions as an enjoyable and rewarding read for the student of art and its place in archaeology Archaeological Review from Cambridge

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