Wednesday, November 20, 3:30pm – 5:00pm, via Zoom
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Morgan Sturtevant
Dr. Laurel Taylor, Art History
This thesis investigates the intricate relationship between gender representations and the socio-political landscape of ancient Greek society, focusing specifically on the Classical and Hellenistic periods. The surviving evidence, primarily from Athens, reveals that the ideal form was embodied as the young, cisgender Greek male. This archetype not only represented heroism and athleticism but also served as an object of desire. In contrast, those who deviated from this ideal—such as cisgender women and non-Greek men—were often depicted in demeaning ways, reflecting their marginalized status within ancient Greek culture.
In addition to analyzing these dominant portrayals, this paper examines non-traditional representations of gender that challenged the prevailing norms. By exploring these outliers, the research provides a deeper understanding of how gender was constructed and perceived in ancient Greece. Through an examination of painted pottery and sculptural works, this thesis highlights the rigidity of dominant gender ideals while also underscoring the complexities and nuances present in the ancient world, revealing varied experiences and identities that existed alongside mainstream narratives. These depictions further demonstrate the ways in which art and literature were used to negotiate and reinforce societal values.