Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago
Discussion about the role and power of visual art in facilitating an understanding of the Homeric classics. In particular, discussion turned to the capacity of artists to capture so much of later Rhapsodies in a single image, including the specific turning of Achilles' head as a nod to the transformation and evolution of his character.
On this point Professor Nagy noted the capacity of visual art to capture thousands of frames in a single image observing how Achilles himself can be visualized in different ways. Other themes relating to the character included Achilles' status as an athlete and his role in chariot performance.
Analogies were also made between the classical paintings and epic on the one hand and movie adaptation of a good book on the other.
Participants also highlighted the importance of Patroklos in the narrative and Iliad through his depictions and prominence in visual images. Related to this discussion was an acknowledgment of the importance of psūkhē. Professor Nagy pointed out how it is quite apt that psūkhē is as complex in visual art as it is in verbal art.
Recorded in Spring 2021 during v15 of the MOOC, The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 7 & 8, and the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
Discussion about the role and power of visual art in facilitating an understanding of the Homeric classics. In particular, discussion turned to the capacity of artists to capture so much of later Rhapsodies in a single image, including the specific turning of Achilles' head as a nod to the transformation and evolution of his character.
On this point Professor Nagy noted the capacity of visual art to capture thousands of frames in a single image observing how Achilles himself can be visualized in different ways. Other themes relating to the character included Achilles' status as an athlete and his role in chariot performance.
Analogies were also made between the classical paintings and epic on the one hand and movie adaptation of a good book on the other.
Participants also highlighted the importance of Patroklos in the narrative and Iliad through his depictions and prominence in visual images. Related to this discussion was an acknowledgment of the importance of psūkhē. Professor Nagy pointed out how it is quite apt that psūkhē is as complex in visual art as it is in verbal art.
Recorded in Spring 2021 during v15 of the MOOC, The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours, focusing on Hours 7 & 8, and the Discussion Questions.
With Gregory Nagy, Keith DeStone, and members of the HeroesX Team.
