John R. Clarke

John R. Clarke has taught ancient Roman art in the Department of Art & Art History at the University of Texas since 1980. His work has focused on domestic architecture, mosaics, and wall painting. In the mid-nineties he began to investigate how visual representation sheds light on the practices of Roman life, including sexuality and humor. He has published numerous books and articles on these and related subjects. Since 2005 Professor Clarke has co-directed the Oplontis Project, focused on two archaeological sites three miles from Pompeii. The project, a collaboration among archaeologists, scientists, and art historians, has produced two big open-access volumes on Villa A, a World Heritage Site renowned for its frescoes and sculptures. He is recipient of the 2017 Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement in Archaeology from the Archaeological Institute of America.