Reading Ancient Objects Inside Out adopts two complementary approaches to advance the study of ancient Greek vases: a philological view, scripta, and an iconographic view, eikon, the latter comprising two parts, one dealing with the figurative vases already included in the catalogue Myths, Gods and Heroes. Greek Vases in Portugal / Mitos, Deuses e Heróis. Vasos gregos em Portugal, and another covering vases that are not included in this work, but which due to their historical and archaeological importance have been considered here, including those without figural motifs.

The first part, scripta, brings together seven collaborations in which an essentially mythological, literary and cultural perspective is explored, suggested by the motifs represented on the vases that make up this project. The second part, eikon, additionally includes the iconographic study of some vases made possible thanks to the contributions of various specialists.