The Aesthetics of Emulation in the Visual Arts of Ancient Rome

In this review of The Aesthetics of Emulation in the Visual Arts of Ancient Rome, the bottom line is clear: this book is best for readers who want a thoughtful, scholarly explanation of why Romans adapted Greek visual culture rather than a catalog of objects. Ellen Perry argues persuasively that Roman values shape every form of appropriation, from copying to parody, and makes a case that the central practice of aemulatio-rivalry with models-reframes how we read Roman images. The prose is aimed at students and specialists who appreciate argument-driven art history more than lavish illustration.

Key Features

• Argument-centered analysis: The book explains how Roman values determine approaches to Greek models, providing a clear interpretive framework for readings of Roman art.
• Broad concept of appropriation: It treats copying, allusion, parody and aemulatio as related strategies, helping readers connect disparate visual phenomena.
• Scholarly clarity: Ellen Perry frames complex debates about imitation and rivalry in accessible prose suitable for graduate seminars and advanced undergraduates.
• Reframes existing scholarship: Rather than dismissing Roman borrowings as derivative, the book shows how appropriation can express ambition and engagement with models.
• Theoretical focus: The emphasis on values and motives encourages readers to reassess museum labels and catalog entries in terms of intent and cultural meaning.

Who It's For

This book is for graduate students, scholars, and informed readers of classical art history who seek a conceptual account of Roman visual culture rather than a handbook of attributions. Those teaching courses on Roman art or classical reception will find useful framing material and argumentative moves to introduce the idea of aemulatio as a productive interpretive lens.

Readers looking for richly illustrated coffee-table presentations, comprehensive object-by-object catalogues, or a beginner's survey of ancient art should look elsewhere; the book prioritizes argument and interpretation over exhaustive illustration and introductory overviews.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a persuasive, cohesive theory that brings disparate Roman practices under the concept of aemulatio.
• Clarifies the difference between copying, allusion and parody in Roman visual strategies.
• Offers clear prose suited to classroom discussion and scholarly debate.

Cons

• Limited emphasis on images and plates makes it less useful for readers who need abundant visual documentation.

Specifications

Title	The Aesthetics of Emulation in the Visual Arts of Ancient Rome
Author	Ellen Perry
Subject	Roman visual culture and appropriation of Greek models
Focus	Argument about aemulatio, copying, allusion and parody
Audience	Scholars, graduate students, advanced undergraduates
Approach	Interpretive and theoretical rather than cataloguing

Our Verdict

Ellen Perry's book is a strong purchase for readers who want a rigorous, interpretive account of Roman appropriation practices and the concept of aemulatio. It repays careful reading and works well as a seminar text, though those needing extensive plates should supplement it with illustrated volumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book argue that Roman art is merely imitative?
Answer. No, the central claim is that Roman appropriation is motivated by values like rivalry and engagement, not simple imitation.

Is the book suitable for classroom use?
Answer. Yes; its clear argumentation and focus on interpretive categories make it useful for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses.

Will readers find many images here?
Answer. The book emphasizes argument over lavish illustration, so readers seeking many plates should supplement it with visual catalogs.