Thompson, Erin

Possession The Curious History of Private Collectors from Antiquity to the Present

New Haven: Yale University Press, 2016. First Edition, First Printing. Hardcover with Dust Jacket.

No Flaws or Blemishes but minimal shelf handling; Still Gift Quality. 9.5 inches tall;  224 pages with Chapter Notes, and Index.

The author offers a thought-provoking examination of the relationship between private collectors and antiquities. Drawing from her expertise in art crime, Thompson explores the motivations, actions, and ethical dilemmas surrounding those who collect ancient artifacts across time.

The book is thematically structured, allowing Thompson to delve into the psychological and social drivers behind the desire for antiquities. She discusses how collectors often seek to construct personal identity and achieve social status, sometimes manipulating or altering artifacts to fit personal narratives. Historical examples, such as Sir William Hamilton’s modifications to classical sculptures, illustrate the blurred line between authenticity and forgery.

Thompson also addresses the darker aspects of collecting, such as looting, smuggling, and the destruction of archaeological sites. She critiques the justifications made by collectors and stresses the need for ethical standards in the acquisition of antiquities. Additionally, she examines how collectors’ eroticized fascination with ancient art, particularly the human form, reflects broader cultural attitudes toward sexuality and aesthetics.

Subjects: Antiquities, Art Collecting, Art Crime, Cultural Heritage, Ethics in Art Acquisition, Art History, Cultural Studies, Ethics.

Item #20783
ISBN: 9780300208528

Price: $30.00