Art, according to the ancient meaning of the word (technique, trick, style, craftsmanship), is any creation that reveals the ability and ingenuity of man to master matter, whether by provoking the viewer's admiration for the aesthetic result or by captivating them with technical perfection.

Why have certain works been considered or are considered masterpieces? Some aspects of this complex issue are illuminated by the essays collected in this volume. Its authors, distinguished German archaeologists and historians of Greek and Roman art, have chosen seven sculptures and one architectural monument from Greek and Roman antiquity to examine a variety of topics, from techniques and construction details to the reception of a work centuries after its creation.

The authors' choices will surprise those who equate ancient art with the artistic creation of classical Athens, reminding us how multifaceted the history of ancient art is. The book, written for a general audience and students, is not a manual of ready knowledge but an exercise in observation and judgment.