Most legends continue to live with you, even long after you went through them in literature class at school. We meet them everywhere - in sculpture, music, painting. Perhaps the first significant return to origins in the history of art was the Renaissance - a time when Greek and Roman stories and statues became the basis for new creativity, and mythology acquired modern significance.
Renaissance artists depicted mythical subjects not at all because they were interested in illustrating them. Of course, this also took place - but the main reason was that during that period the concept of ancient stories was rethought. People began to realize that these same stories continue to be valuable to this day.
It was the flexibility and adaptability of the classical myth that allowed it to survive and remain interesting to authors even when other values were at a loss. From the second half of the 19th century, modernists began to loudly reject traditional methods in art. But mythology still remained an important theme for artists because it allowed them to express contemporary problems and needs.
Pablo Picasso, for example, had a whole series of paintings depicting the minotaur. Most often, the creature was an allegory of Picasso himself: the artist expressed in him his animal, aggressive nature, and the subjects of the paintings were often a reflection of his complex family life.
It is important to remember that a myth is not just a fairy tale. In the modern world, it becomes a mirror of current problems, and the legends of the past take on new meaning. In a new context, these are stories about domestic violence, corruption, hypocrisy that continue to live since Pandora opened the ill-fated box. Additionally, our unique art catalog features stunning painting mythologies.
Michelangelo, "Judith and Holofernes"
One of the most famous legends, immortalized in a painting by Michelangelo. According to legend, the Babylonian army surrounded the city of Bethulia. The population was threatened with starvation and complete destruction if not for the courage of one young woman.
Judith, a beautiful and chaste widow, decided on self-sacrifice. She put on her best outfit, took a maid and went with her straight to the enemy camp to their commander Holofernes. Judith introduced herself as a prophetess and demanded to be introduced to the commander-in-chief.
Judith was eloquent and seductive. She prophesied victory for the army of Holofernes and said that the Israelites had violated the commandments of God and were doomed to death. The commander was fascinated by the beauty and speeches of the stranger and ordered her to be left in the camp. On the fourth day, Holofernes held a Feast and expressed a desire to take possession of Judith. But he got so drunk that he fell asleep in his tent. At that moment, Judith grabbed his own sword and cut off Holofernes’ head. The girl and the maid returned to their hometown and ordered the head to be hung on the gate. The people attacked the camp, and the Babylonians discovered the body of Holofernes and fled.
“Birth of Venus” – Sandro Botticelli
Sandro Botticelli is a great Italian painter of the early Renaissance. He is considered one of the best illustrators of myths and creators of allegories. In Florence during the artist's time, paintings on mythological themes were in great demand. Ancient Greek and Roman myths were actively studied and viewed from the point of view of history, rather than folk tales. Interest in mythology was rapidly spreading among the elite, so similar paintings were often ordered from Botticelli.
The myths of ancient Greece in the paintings of famous artists became a reflection of the past. “The Birth of Venus” is perhaps one of the most recognizable works. She shows us the birth of the goddess of love and beauty: the girl appears before us in a shell, blown by the sea wind. On the left we see the wind god Zephyr and his beloved, and on the shore Venus is met by one of the graces. According to legend, Venus, also known as Aphrodite, after her birth was taken to Olympus, where she was loudly welcomed by the other gods.
Like all the paintings of the great master, the canvas is filled with symbols. For example, the orange tree means immortality, the goddess of Spring Ora Tallo - pure heavenly love. Zephyr means earthly, carnal love, which is emphasized by hugs with the goddess of flowers.
It is believed that the painting was painted for a representative of the richest family in Florence - Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco Medici. Documents confirm that he owned the painting for a long time. But whether Botticelli really wrote according to his order remains a mystery.
Peter Paul Rubens, "Perseus Frees Andromeda"
Rubens' paintings of mythological subjects are considered timeless classics and the greatest treasure of mankind. His handwriting cannot be confused with anything! If you see on the canvas plump angels and naked curvy maidens in a scene from Greek mythology, this is definitely Rubens.
In Rubens’s painting “Perseus Frees Andromeda” we see the emergence of the feelings of the savior and the saved. Truly a romantic story! Let's start with the fact that Perseus and Andromeda are characters with very interesting origins.
Andromeda is a beauty forced to pay for the sins of her parents. To be more precise, a mother who boasted of her beauty at the wrong time and in the wrong place. Cassiopeia, the mother of Andromeda, offended the Nereid goddesses with her pride. The latter complained to Poseidon and asked him for revenge. God summoned a terrible monster from the depths of the sea that threatened to destroy the entire city. Then the Oracle announced that the beast could be “appeased” by sacrificing the daughter of Cassiopeia.
Andromeda was chained to a rock and given over to the power of the monster. It was in this form that Perseus, the son of Danae and Zeus, saw her and took possession of her in the form of golden rain. Perseus performed feats, like Hercules. You probably know him from his winged sandals! In addition, it was Perseus who beheaded Medusa, and then used her head to turn the monster Poseidon into stone.
Before the battle, Perseus carefully asked his father for permission to marry Andromeda. He made a promise, keeping silent that his daughter already had a fiance, his brother Phineus. The groom did not suffer humiliation and showed up with a weapon at the wedding of our heroes. But Medusa’s head came in handy here too: Perseus turned all the offenders into stone and lived with Andromeda for many, many happy years.
Alexander Arkadievich Litvinov "Pegasus and Cupids"
This painting, titled "Pegasus and Cupids," illustrates a mythological scene rich in classical elements. At the center is Pegasus, the famed winged horse from Greek mythology, caught in mid-motion with its majestic wings flared upwards, ready for flight. Its muscular body is hued in shades of white and beige, and its mane flows with the same golden brown as its tail.
Surrounding Pegasus are multiple cupids, embodying the cherubic figures of love and mirth from Roman mythology, often associated with the Greek Eros. These cherubic beings are depicted with plump, youthful bodies and possess small, yet powerful wings. Each cupid exhibits a different activity: one extends a hand to gently touch the Pegasus, another holds a floral wreath, possibly to crown the creature, while the others seem to be in playful or observing poses.
The setting is a lush, mysterious grove at twilight, with dense foliage and a hint of architectural structures in the background, suggesting this scene might be taking place in a secluded part of a garden or a sacred grove. The lighting of the scene appears to be natural, possibly from the soft glow of twilight, creating a serene and almost sacred atmosphere around the mythical Pegasus and its joyful companions.
The style of the painting suggests a work from the Baroque or late Renaissance period, with a focus on dramatic expression, the interplay of light and shadow, and dynamic composition. The detailed rendering of the figures and the foliage reflects a keen eye for texture and depth, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in this mythical moment frozen in time.
If you are passionate about painting and mythology, we invite you to explore our catalog of amazing works of art that immerse you in a world of ancient legends and rich history. Our collections represent scenes from various mythologies, bringing gods, heroes and mythical creatures to life in every brush stroke. Discover the majesty of Pegasus, the playfulness of cupids, the wisdom of goddesses and the heroic deeds of warriors. We are confident that everyone will find something exciting for the soul and inspiration for the mind. Welcome to our world of splendor and inspiration.
