Ancient Art and Ritual

In 'Ancient Art and Ritual', Jane Ellen Harrison explores the intimate connection between ancient art and ritual. Harrison delves into the history of Greek drama, which arose from primitive and almost worldwide rituals, and illustrates how these ancient rituals evolved into art forms such as choral readings, dance forms, and drama itself. She argues that art is borne out of emotion and is the artist's duty to transfer those feelings into some medium, whether it be writing, painting, or drama. With high emotional energy as a common thread behind all art forms, Harrison shows how ancient rituals gave rise to the development of Greek sculpture as a demure way to give homage to the gods.