The document contains summaries of several paintings from Greek/Roman mythology along with their artists and background information. One painting summarized is Sandro Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" from the 15th century Italian Renaissance. It depicts the goddess Venus emerging from the sea on a shell as the wind god Zephyr blows roses around her. A nymph reaches to cover Venus with a cloak as she steps onto the shore. The painting illustrates the myth of Venus' birth from sea foam. Another painting summarized is Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres' "Oedipus and the Sphinx" from 1808 which depicts the moment when Oedipus confidently solves the Sphinx's riddle.
Botticelli, Sandro (c1445-1510) was the most individual, if not the most influential, painter in Florence at the end of the 15th century Renaissance. He spent almost all his life in his native Florence. At the peak of his career, Botticelli was the most sought-after painter in the city and head of a thriving workshop His only important journey outside Florence was made when he was on the of the artists chosen to decorate the Sistine Chapel in Rome – The most prestigious commission of the day. This presentation included three of his most popular and important paintings today – The Birth of Venus, La Primavera and Venus and Mars. The presentation explores the meanings behind these the great iconic paintings of the Renaissance.
Leda And The Swan, Leonardo da Vinci's Masterpice by Ton PascalTon Pascal
“Leda And The Swan”, by Leonardo da Vinci, is one of history’s great art losses. From the surviving copies we can see its beauty, the masterly composition, and the complex emblematic symbolism. Leonardo went beyond the sexual act portrayed until then about this mythic story. The great popularity of this subject n the sixteenth century was due to the fact that it was then more acceptable to depict a woman having an act of copulation with an animal than with a man.
A great overview of theatre styles citing origins, pictures, key characteristics and aims of style. Lot of work but worth it. Don't claim it as your own or you're dead meat!!
Venus de Milo
Written By: Jacob Bancroft
Measurements: Height: 5'4"
Head: 23"
Neck: 12.5"
Chest: 33"
Bust: 37"
Waist: 26"
Hips: 38"
Thigh: 22.5"
Calf: 13.2"
Ankle: 7.4"
Knee: 15"
(New York Times, "ENGLISH GIRL NEAREST VENUS...")
Material: Parian Marble
Time Period: Between 130 and 100 BC
Sculptor: Alexandros of Antioch
Discovery: April 8th, 1820
Price: 1000 francs
Location: Louvre
Venus de Milo is an ancient Greek sculpture believed to be sculpted by Alexandros of Antioch, as evidenced by the inscription on the base of the statue. The statue is thought to represent either Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, or Amphitrite, the sea goddess. The most notable feature of the statue is the goddess's lack of arms. The arms were not found during the statue's discovery. The original base is currently also missing; however, it is thought that it was found with the statue originally, because the sculptor's inscription on the base was used to identify the artist. The statue was found by a peasant who sold the statue to the French navy. The ship did not have the required space for the statue and so a diplomat was promised to come back later to purchase the statue. When Marcellus, secretary to Marquis de Riviere, arrived at Milo, the impatient peasant was in the process of selling the statue to Constantinople. The French negotiated the statue to be sold to them. The statue was then gifted to King Louis XVIII, who donated to the Louvre. King Louis would not actually see the statue for another year due to his obesity (University of Chicago).
The statue is thought to have depicted the Judgement of Paris. The story of the Judgement of Paris is that Zeus held a party celebrating the marriage of Achilles's parents, but did not invite Erin. Erin brought a golden apple to Olympus to be the prize of the most beautiful goddess and Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera tried to win over the mortal judge, Paris. Paris chose Aphrodite from the lineup of naked goddesses because she offered him Helen of Sparta. The statue depicted Aphrodite holding the golden apple in victory of Paris's judgement.
Other scholars say that the statue depicts Amphitrite. This theory is based on the fact that the statue was discovered on Milos. Milos was an island that worshipped Amphitrite. There has been evidence unearthed that proves the existence of a Amphitrite cult on the island (Greek Boston). The statue was found with arms, but the Louvre thought the arms to be unoriginal (My Modern Met). The Judgement of Paris explanation is based on the finding of the apple in the statue's hand, and so it is debated whether the statue in fact depicts Aphrodite or Amphitrite. It is more popularly believed to be Aphrodite, and so the statue was named "Venus de Milo."
Venus de Milo is one of the most famous surviving examples of ancient Greek sculpture. Ever.
Botticelli, Sandro (c1445-1510) was the most individual, if not the most influential, painter in Florence at the end of the 15th century Renaissance. He spent almost all his life in his native Florence. At the peak of his career, Botticelli was the most sought-after painter in the city and head of a thriving workshop His only important journey outside Florence was made when he was on the of the artists chosen to decorate the Sistine Chapel in Rome – The most prestigious commission of the day. This presentation included three of his most popular and important paintings today – The Birth of Venus, La Primavera and Venus and Mars. The presentation explores the meanings behind these the great iconic paintings of the Renaissance.
Leda And The Swan, Leonardo da Vinci's Masterpice by Ton PascalTon Pascal
“Leda And The Swan”, by Leonardo da Vinci, is one of history’s great art losses. From the surviving copies we can see its beauty, the masterly composition, and the complex emblematic symbolism. Leonardo went beyond the sexual act portrayed until then about this mythic story. The great popularity of this subject n the sixteenth century was due to the fact that it was then more acceptable to depict a woman having an act of copulation with an animal than with a man.
A great overview of theatre styles citing origins, pictures, key characteristics and aims of style. Lot of work but worth it. Don't claim it as your own or you're dead meat!!
Venus de Milo
Written By: Jacob Bancroft
Measurements: Height: 5'4"
Head: 23"
Neck: 12.5"
Chest: 33"
Bust: 37"
Waist: 26"
Hips: 38"
Thigh: 22.5"
Calf: 13.2"
Ankle: 7.4"
Knee: 15"
(New York Times, "ENGLISH GIRL NEAREST VENUS...")
Material: Parian Marble
Time Period: Between 130 and 100 BC
Sculptor: Alexandros of Antioch
Discovery: April 8th, 1820
Price: 1000 francs
Location: Louvre
Venus de Milo is an ancient Greek sculpture believed to be sculpted by Alexandros of Antioch, as evidenced by the inscription on the base of the statue. The statue is thought to represent either Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, or Amphitrite, the sea goddess. The most notable feature of the statue is the goddess's lack of arms. The arms were not found during the statue's discovery. The original base is currently also missing; however, it is thought that it was found with the statue originally, because the sculptor's inscription on the base was used to identify the artist. The statue was found by a peasant who sold the statue to the French navy. The ship did not have the required space for the statue and so a diplomat was promised to come back later to purchase the statue. When Marcellus, secretary to Marquis de Riviere, arrived at Milo, the impatient peasant was in the process of selling the statue to Constantinople. The French negotiated the statue to be sold to them. The statue was then gifted to King Louis XVIII, who donated to the Louvre. King Louis would not actually see the statue for another year due to his obesity (University of Chicago).
The statue is thought to have depicted the Judgement of Paris. The story of the Judgement of Paris is that Zeus held a party celebrating the marriage of Achilles's parents, but did not invite Erin. Erin brought a golden apple to Olympus to be the prize of the most beautiful goddess and Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera tried to win over the mortal judge, Paris. Paris chose Aphrodite from the lineup of naked goddesses because she offered him Helen of Sparta. The statue depicted Aphrodite holding the golden apple in victory of Paris's judgement.
Other scholars say that the statue depicts Amphitrite. This theory is based on the fact that the statue was discovered on Milos. Milos was an island that worshipped Amphitrite. There has been evidence unearthed that proves the existence of a Amphitrite cult on the island (Greek Boston). The statue was found with arms, but the Louvre thought the arms to be unoriginal (My Modern Met). The Judgement of Paris explanation is based on the finding of the apple in the statue's hand, and so it is debated whether the statue in fact depicts Aphrodite or Amphitrite. It is more popularly believed to be Aphrodite, and so the statue was named "Venus de Milo."
Venus de Milo is one of the most famous surviving examples of ancient Greek sculpture. Ever.
The cypress tree in European paintings.ppsxguimera
In Greek mythology associated with Cyparissus beloved by Apollo, and with Hades, god of the underworld.
Symbol of Immortality, of life and death, of mourning …
3. • Oil on Canvas during Italian Renaissance
• A Roman myth relating to Venus, the goddess of
love, which is equivalent to Aphrodite of Greek myth
• The artist wanted to portray divine love through the
painting. By making Venus the central point of image, it
conveys the idea of importance. Unlike the that of High
Renaissance, this painting of the Italian Renaissance
adopted the concept of Humanism and Botticelli
implemented human like figure of Venus into this
painting. All together, it tells a story of Venus born from
divine shell all while she creates serenity, unity, and
perfection in her surrounding.
4. Bibliography
• "Birth of Venus." Artble: The Home of
Passionate Art Lovers. N.p., n.d. Web. 18
Oct. 2012. <http://www.artble.com/
artists/sandro_botticelli/paintings/
birth_of_venus>.
• "Botticelli, Sandro." WebMuseum:. N.p., n.d.
Web. 18 Oct. 2012. <http://
www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/botticelli/
>.
8. The Myth
• The Greek tragic story of Orpheus and
Eurydice
9. How it’s retold
• The painting depicts two scenes from the
myth. On the left, a serpent, shown as a
dragon, bites Eurydice. On the right, the
scene where Orpheus makes a mistake of
looking back at Eurydice as they exit the
inferno of Hades is illustrated.
11. Helen of Troy
Evelyn de Morgan
1898
The Illiad
Instead of weapons and battles, De Morgan
decides to paint Helena wearing a beautiful
pink robe and paint her beautiful face using
the artistic elements. This painting
illustrates her overwhelming beauty, which
relates to how she was very attractive to
men.
Morgan, Evelyn De. Helen of Troy. Digital
image. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/File:Helen_Of_Troy.jpg>
12. Medusa
Caravaggio
1597
The Illiad
In Greek mythology, Medusa is
depicted as a monster who has a ugly
face of a female attached with living
venomous snakes. Thus, this painting
lucidly illustrates the portrayal of
Medusa.
Caravaggio. Medusa. Digital
image. Web.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Me
dusa.jpg>
13. Oedipus and the Sphinx
Jessica Cho
Ms. Hogshead
World Lit A3
October 18, 2012
15. The Myth
• Oedipus guessed the Sphinx’s riddle and saved
the city of Thebes
• Oedipus’ wife turned out to be his mother
• Oedipus killed a man who later turned out to
be his father
• Oedipus blinded himself as a repentance
• The painting depicts Oedipus confidently
solving Sphinx’s riddle.
18. Greek Mythology:
Pygmalion and Galatea
• This painting is based on the story of Pygmalion and Galatea.
Pygmalion was a famous sculptor who fell in love with Galatea, a
beautiful female figurine that he had sculpted. Unable to resist his
love, Pygmalion prayed to Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, on the
day of her celebration. Deeply moved by his devotion and the
beauty of his sculpture, Aphrodite granted his wish and blew life
into Galatea, who later on married Pygmalion and lived with him
until the end of their days.
• In this painting, the artist depicted the scene in which Galatea
slowly becomes alive. Her upper body has become completely
human, expressing her admiration and love for her
creator, Pygmalion, while her legs are still at its cold, ivory state. On
the top right corner, Eros, Aphrodite’s son and messenger of
love, shoots his arrow to represent Pygmalion and Galatea’s love
and Aphrodite’s approval of their love.
19. Works Cited:
• "Greece Myths: Pygmalion and Galatea."
Greece Myths: Pygmalion and Galatea.
N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2012.
<http://www.greeka.com/greece-
myths/pygmalion-galatea.htm>.
• "HarvestHeart – Jean Gerome, Pygmalion and
Galatea, Oil On..." HarvestHeart. N.p., n.d.
Web. 18 Oct. 2012.
<http://harvestheart.tumblr.com/post/321034
3930>.
22. The myth
• The beautiful Nereid Galatea falls in love with the peasant
shepherd Acis.
• Her consort, Polyphemus (one-eyed giant), throws an
enormous pillar and kills Acis.
23. How is the myth retold through the
painting?
• No main events of the story
• The scene of the nymph's apotheosis
• Galatea appears surrounded by other sea creatures whose
forms are inspired by Michelangelo
• The bright colors and decoration are inspired by ancient
Roman paintings.
• At the left, a sturdy Triton (partly man and fish) abducts a
sea nymph and another Triton uses a shell as a trumpet
• Galatea rides a shell-coach drawn by two dolphins
• Galatea not only resembles one human but also represents the
ideal beauty
24. Works Cited
Krén, Emil, and Daniel Marx. "Web Gallery of Art, Image
Collection, Virtual Museum, Searchable Database of
European Fine Arts (1000-1850)." Web Gallery of Art,
Image Collection, Virtual Museum, Searchable
Database of European Fine Arts (1000-1850). N.p.,
n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2012. <http://www.wga.hu/frames-
e.html?/html/r/raphael/5roma/1/05farne.html>.
27. The Myth
• Rubens tells the story of Paris’ judgment of
which of the three goddesses (Venus, Juno or
Minerva) was the most beautiful.
• Paris chose Venus and awarded her the golden
apple
• The jealousy and fury of the goddesses were
one of the reasons that led to the Trojan War.
28. How it’s retold through the painting
• Alterations show that Rubens first painted an
earlier moment when Mercury told the
goddesses to undress; the final stage shows Paris
awarding the apple to Venus, who stands
between Minerva and Juno; Mercury stands
behind Paris and above is the Fury, Alecto.
• Paris was rescued by shepherds when he was
young because he was prophesized that he would
ruin the city so he was abandoned (his shepherd’s
staff is clearly seen in the painting).
29. Works Cited
• Rubens, Peter Paul. Judgement of Paris. 1632-5. The National
Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN. The National Gallery. The
National Gallery. Web. 18 Oct. 2012.
30. Psyche Welcomed to the
Underworld by Pluto and Proserpine
Jane Jun-P3(B)
31. Psyche Welcomed to the
Underworld by Pluto and
Proserpine
By Charles-Joseph Natoire
Collection of Louvre Museum
32. The myth of Eros and psyche
– -alludes to the Greek Myth of Eros and Psyche
– -This scene shows how Psyche receiving the bottle
with a drop of Proserpine's beauty.
– -After Psyche falls in love with Eros but does not
follow what he says, she is offered by Aphrodite to
do certain things in order to meet Eros again. As
one of the impossible tasks, Aphrodite demanded
Psyche to go to the underworld to get
Propserpine’sbeatuy.
33. Works Cited
• Natoire, Charles-Joseph. Psyche Welcomed to
the Underworld by Pluto and Proserpine.
1734-35. The Louvre, Paris.
36. Birth of Venus
- Title: “Birth of Venus”
- Artist: SandroBetticelli
- Myth: In myth, Venus-Aphrodite was born of sea-foam.
Roman theology presents Venus as the yielding, watery
female principle, essential to the generation and
balance of life. Her male counterparts in the Roman
pantheon, Vulcan and Mars, are active and fiery. Venus
absorbs and tempers the male essence, uniting the
opposite of male and female in mutual affection. She is
essentially assimilative and benign, and embraces
several otherwise quite disparate functions.
37. Birth of venus
• In Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus”, the goddess
Venus emerges from the sea upon a shell in
accordance with the myth that explains her
birth. Her shell is pushed to the shore from
the winds produced by the Zephyr wind-gods
amid a shower of roses. As the goddess is
about to step on the shore, one of the
Nymphs reaches out to cover her with a
purple cloak.
39. The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli
The painting depicts the scene in which Venus, the goddess of beauty and love, is born as she
arises from the foam of the sea water. After Saturn castrated his father Caelus, he threw Caelus’s
genital into the sea water. The mixture of Caelus’s blood and sea water created Venus and
prompted this miraculous birth.
In the painting, Venus is located in the center, with a nymph reaching her to cover her with a
cloak. The Zephyr win pushes her towards the shore. The painting depicts the exact moment in
which Venus comes to life, coming out of a shell. The painting serves to emphasize the elegance
and beauty of Venus.
Works Cited
Finnan, Vincent. “The Birth of Venus.” Italian Renaissance. 2012. Web. 18 Oct. 2012.
Reynolds, Joshua. “Venus.” New World Encyclopedia. 2 Apr. 2008. Web. 18 Oct. 2012
41. “Aphrodite and Eros
• Title: “Aphrodite and
Eros”
• Lucas Cranach Sr.
• “The Tale of Eros and
Psyche”
• Aphrodite is hiding Eros
from Psyche.
• St. Petersburg Museum
42. Works cited
• “Greek Mythology Paintings.” iGreekmythology.
• 2009. Web. 18 October 2012.
44. Art Hunt
• Title: The Choice of Hercules
• Artist: Annibale Carracci
• The painting: Oil on Canvas
• The Myth it relates to: Relates to the myth of
the great hero, Hercules.
45. • How this myth is retold through the paining:
The moment when Hercules had to choose his
destiny. Hard journey to success or easy
journey to no success. Left woman represents
hard destiny and other represents easier
destiny.
• Work cited:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Choice_of_
Hercules