Ancient myths and mythological beings in art

Since time immemorial, art has always been looking for ways to make the invisible visible, to express the unspeakable and to make the unreachable tangible. One of the most captivating forms of expression is the representation of ancient myths and mythological beings . These multi -layered and symbolic creatures not only encourage imagination, but also offer deep insights into the cultural and social structures of past eras .

From the sphinx in ancient Egypt to contemporary pop culture, mythological beings have been an estimated topic in art for many centuries. They have always developed and adapted to different cultures, styles and technologies. In Chinese culture, for example, the dragon power and strength, while the unicorn in the European folklore was true for purity and grace.

Creative spirits that stage multi -layered human experiences with the world of myths use dark folk tales, representations from ancient mythology and fantastic scenarios. They immortalize gods , monsters and heroes . Through these works, timeless questions and universal topics brought to light that stimulate conversation and challenge our imagination.

The American publicist Joseph Campbell once formulated very aptly:

Mythology is not a lie, mythology is poetry, it is metaphorical. It was well said that mythology is the penultimate truth - penultimate because the ultimate cannot be put into words. She is beyond words. Beyond pictures. Beyond the Buddhist wheel of becoming. Beyond this limiting edge. "

In this article we will illuminate the captivating journey of mythological beings - especially from Greek antiquity - in art, their cultural relevance, the methods through which they are brought to life, as well as their function in fiction and pop culture.

Mythological art - origins and meaning

The roots of mythological representations go deeply back to ancient civilization. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans illustrated their myths and legends on vases, murals and sculptures . These works of art not only served decorative purposes, but often also had religious and didactic functions. An example from the Greek antiquity is the famous amphora of the Exekias , on which the scene of Ajax and Achilles is shown in the game of dice.

This scene not only offers an insight into the mythological stories, but also testifies to the everyday activities and the value system of time.

Another important work from Greek antiquity is the Parthenon frieze . This masterpiece of the high reliefs illustrates various mythological scenes, including the birth of the Athena from the head of the Zeus. The Parthenon itself is dedicated to Athena, the goddess of the city of Athens, and his reliefs are a symbol for the veneration of the gods and the meaning of the myths in the everyday life of the Greeks.

Historical context in ancient Greece

The art and architecture of ancient Greece are not only certificates, but also shimmering Mirrors images of the achievements and the aesthetic feeling of this remarkable civilization. From the archaic to the Hellenistic era, Greek culture unfolds in an impressive course, whereby each phase contributes to the emergence of diverse artistic and architectural forms of expression in its own way.

The historical framework of Greek art and architecture is inseparable with the political, social and religious structures of society. The Greek appreciation for humanism, proportions and harmony finds mighty response in their works that strive to capture the beauty and order of the natural world and, related to mirrors .

In the archaic phase , a clearly defined style emerges, which is characterized by the development of the Doric and Ionian orders in architecture as well as the emergence of the Kouros and KORE statues in the sculpture. This artistic evolution culminated in the classic era, characterized by the majestic construction of the Parthenon and the heyday of sculptures and ceramics, which represent mythological scenes with incomparable realism and emotional depth.

The Hellenistic era opened new dimensions of artistic work, characterized by more dynamic and more opulent forms, such as those come into play Lysippos and the impressive construction of the large altar of Pergamon

With this extraordinary development, Greek art invites you to deeper into the cultural heritage that still inspires artists and thinkers.

Topics and motifs - the role of the mythological beings in art

Mythological topics and motifs penetrate Greek art and architecture in a multifaceted manner and mirrors thus opposing the deeply rooted cultural values, religious beliefs and human experiences of then society at the time. The gods and goddesses, heroes and mythical creatures were not only objects of veneration, but also acted as multi -layered allegories for philosophical concepts and natural phenomena.

Temple magnificently decorated with friezes and metopen that represented impressive scenes from mythology - be it the majestic heroic heroism of the Hercules or the dramatic events of the Trojan War. Even in pottery art, the heroic deeds were often illustrated in detail both divine beings and mortal heroes.

These topics and motifs create a narrative framework that combined the Greeks in a profound way with their deities and the greater order of the universe. The diverse symbolism invited to deal with the stories and their meaning more intensively and gave the viewer a window on the central questions of their existence.

Mythological beings such as centaurs , sirens and minotors are not only fantastic creatures, but also that symbolic metaphors . The Minotaur, half human, half bull, embodies bestiality in humans, for example and is often seen as a symbol for the unconscious. The representation of such beings enables artists to explore complex psychological and spiritual topics. Picasso often resorted to Minotaur in his work to illustrate his own inner battles and human weaknesses.

Art is the lie that enables us to recognize the truth. ”

Quote from Pablo Picasso

A remarkable example of the representation of mythological beings is the famous fresco "Triumph of the Galatea" by Raffael . It shows the nymph galatea how it drives over the sea on a mussel wagon, surrounded by a variety of sea creatures and puti. This work embodies Renaissance art through its perfect harmony and idealized beauty.

Mythological beings - from gods, heroes and creatures

Gods

In all continents, through different cultures and over the centuries, the representations of gods an astonishing spectrum of naturalistic approaches. These pictorial illustrations make it possible to integrate the divine into the human sphere, which raises these immortal figures to be captivated, which are nevertheless surrounded by an aura of divine power. The timeless attraction of such limitless characters has always offered artists a rich source of inspiration.

An outstanding example is the god of heaven in ancient Greek mythology: Zeus . As a central player in mythological art, he not only acts as a ruler and protector, but also as the father of all gods and people. He is often presented with a flash, which impressively illustrates its authority and divine power.

Athene , the goddess of wisdom and war, is also Rembrandt's "Pallas Athene" (1657) goes beyond powerful stonemason art and presents the goddess in the artistic style of the Dutch golden age . Its influence also extends to works such as Sandro Botticelli's "Pallas and the Zentaur" (1482) and "Minerva Protecting Peace from Mars" (1629) by Peter Paul Rubens .

Venus of Milo should not be missing in an analysis of art and mythology - a figure that even stimulated Salvador Dalí

The representation of gods was not limited to a certain period of art history . The figurative painter Francis Bacon is known for his rough, disturbing visual language, which is why Greek mythology offers rich inspiration for its tormented, monster -like figures. This is particularly visible in Three Figures and Portrait (1975), where the bird -like being is associated with the growling human mouth in connection with the furies, the goddesses of revenge and justice.

Hero

Powerful, intelligent and possibly even seductive - the hero's attraction remains timeless. They are omnipresent in today's film world and have worked over the centuries as an inspiring, strong and impressive figure in art history.

Hercules represents this ideal and is often shown in his twelve tasks. These representations can be found on ancient Greek vases and sculptures, such as the Farnese Hercules , as well as in the epic works of the Spanish painter Francisco de Zubarán . His painting "Hercules and the Lion of Nemea" shows the naked Hercules, which accomplishes one of the twelve heroic deeds by suffocating the lion from Nemea - in a style, realism with Italian high -renaissance and Iberian baroque art.

The Italian champion of late Renaissance, Jacopo Tintoretto , was also inspired by Hercules and created his work "The origin of the Milky Way" (1575–1580). In this picture the myth is told that Hera Herakles breastfeeding; He sucked so much that she had to push him back, which sprayed her milk across the sky and the Milky Way was created - at the same time she gave Hercules supernatural powers.

The French symbolist Gustave Moreau was also fascinated by the Hercules myth and let his creativity run wild "Hercules and the Lernaian Hydra" The seven -member Hydra , a snake -like monster, represents the antagonist of the painting, while Hercules stands upright and is ready to separate the seventh "immortal" head of the Hydra.

Creatures, monsters, monsters

The stories about monsters and monsters are a fascinating network of imagination and dark dreams. These stories, which are just as captivating as the legends themselves, have inspired numerous artists and different styles. The Minotaur , an impressive creature of Greek mythology with the body of a person and the head as well as the tail of a bull, lives not only in a labyrinth -like prison, but also in the thoughts of many creative.

George Frederic Watts ' work "The Minotaur" captures the being that, when awaited the arrival of his young victims by ship - an urgent picture that reinforces the oppressive atmosphere of this mythology.

Pablo Picassos Minotaur Ravishing A Female Centaur ( MinoTaure Amoureux d'une Femme-Centaure ), (1933) integrates the figure into his shocking bestial universe, while Auguste Rodin in his statue of a sacrificed virgin, who gets into the catch of the Minotaur, that makes dramatic scene incomprehensible.

The story of Medusa also inspired our imagination; The image of this Gorgone with snakes as hair immortalized its death in numerous dramatic sculptures by Perseus. Caravaggio was so inspired that he painted two impressive versions of Medusa: the first in 1596 and a second around 1597.

However, myths and monsters from all over the world are not only limited to antiquity or Greek mythology. Other artists were also stimulated by this variety of topics, including the French post -impressionist Paul Gauguin. When he moved from France to Tahiti in 1895, he took the inspiration of his new environment and often entered his works in his works and stories of Polynesian mythology.

Marc Chagall found similar inspiration in the Russian folklore in many of his lively, dream -like works of art. Paula Rego, on the other hand, was fascinated by folk tales and legends; Her prints are based on the stories of the Pendle witches and their paintings take us into the world of Portuguese fairy tales.

JMW Turner also integrated stories from classic mythology into its atmospheric landscapes, which are ideal as a backdrop for struggles between heroes and monsters. Convince yourself of Turner's masterful game with light and shadow in his works "Sea Monsters and Vessels at Sunset" (1845) and "Sunrise with Sea Monsters" from the same year.

This deep connection between art and myth is an invitation to further deal with timeless topics. ”

Other popular mythological beings from Greek antiquity

Greek mythology is rich in fascinating beings and creatures. Here are other of the best -known mythological beings from Greek ancient times:

• Zentaurs : half human, half horse, the centers embody the duality of civilization and wildness. They are known for their raids and wildness, but also for their wisdom, as in the case of the Zentaur Chiron, who served as a teacher of different heroes.
• Siren : These seductive sea creatures are known for their beguiling vocals, which can lure seafarers to death. In art, they are often shown as women with bird bodies.
• Gorgons : The Gorgons are monsters with snake hair, of which Medusa is the best known. Her gaze could turn to stone. Perseus killed Medusa and used her head as a weapon.
• Minotaur : This being, half human, half bull, lived in the labyrinth of Knossos and diet of human sacrifices. Theseus managed to defeat the Minotaur and escape from the labyrinth.
• Hydra : The Hydra is a multi -piece snake monster that lived in the swamp of Lerna. Two new ones grew for each chipped head. Herakles defeated the Hydra as part of his twelve tasks.
• Pegasus : The winged horse Pegasus sprang from the neck of the Medusa when it was killed by Perseus. Pegasus is a symbol of freedom and was often ridden by Bellerophon.
• Chimera : This fire -breathing being has the head of a lion, the body of a goat and the tail of a snake. Chimera is a symbol of the threatening and incredible and was defeated by Bellerophon.
• Nymphs : These natural master are often associated with certain natural phenomena, such as rivers, trees or mountains. They are known for their beauty and ability to interact with the gods and people alike.
• Harpien : Mixed creatures of women and birds known for their cruel nature. In some myths, they are sent as punishments or signs of the wrath of the gods.
• Satyren : These forest and nature-loving beings, half human, half goat, are known for their fun and accompaniment of the wine god Dionysus. The satyrs of the ancient myths embody the exuberant, wild aspect of nature.
• Cerberus : The three -member dog who guarded the entrance to the underworld. It prevents the dead from escaping and the living occurs. Herakles had to tame Cerberus as part of his twelve tasks and bring it to the surface.
• Moiren (goddesses of fate) : These three goddesses, known as Klotho, Lachesis and Atropos, determine the fate of each individual from the moment of birth to death. They spin, measure and cut the thread of life and thus symbolize the inevitability of fate.
• Echidna : half woman, half snake, known as the mother of many other monsters in Greek mythology, including the Hydra and the Nemei lion. It symbolizes the threatening and strange.
• Krinis : Another fascinating figure is Krinis, the protective spirit of the sources. Krinis/Napaen symbolizes the liveliness and purity of nature and its spiritual aspects.
• Mantikore : The manticors, a being with the head of a man, the body of a lion and the tail of a scorpion, symbolize the fearsome aspects of the wilderness.

Mythological representations over the Art Periods And Movements

Mythological art in the Renaissance

The Renaissance is a period that is bursting with mythological allusions. Artists such as Botticelli , Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci were very inspired by antique myths. Botticelli's "The birth of Venus" not only shows the goddess of love in all her beauty, but also symbolizes the rebirth of classic antiquity in the Renaissance. These paintings were often commissioned for wealthy and educated patrons, which also saw a reflection of their own values ​​and efforts in the myths shown.

Another iconic work of the Renaissance is Michelangelo's "David" . Although David does not come directly from the Greek-Roman mythology, his representation as an idealized naked hero strongly influenced by the ancient visual language. In this work, Michelangelo combines biblical and mythological elements to represent the human body as a vessel of divine strength and beauty.

Leonardo da Vinci also edited mythological topics, such as in his painting "Leda and the Swan" . This work, which is unfortunately only preserved in copies and sketches, shows the mythological scene in which Zeus seduces the beautiful Leda in the form of a swan. Since Vinci's work explores the human and divine Yin and Yang, both penetration of a deeper spiritual meaning.

Mythological beings in the baroque

Mythological representations achieved a new dimension in the baroque. Caravaggio and Rubens used the dramatic Chiaroscuro technology to emphasize the intensity and pathos of mythological scenes. Rubens' painting "The robbery of the daughters of the Leukippos" is a prime example of the dynamic and emotional power of this era. The representation of mythological figures in extreme poses and moments of the highest voltage should put the viewer directly into the action and cause an emotional reaction.

Another masterful work of this era is Caravaggios "Narcissus" . In this painting, the young narcissus is shown, which is in love with his own Mirrors picture in the water. Caravaggio uses its typical game with light and shadow to reinforce the dramatic and tragic nature of history.

An impressive example of baroque statue art is Gian Lorenzo Bernini's "Apollo and Daphne" . This sculpture captures the moment when Daphne, followed by Apollo, turns into a laurel tree. Bernini manages to capture the movement and drama of this transformation into marble and to pull the viewer deep into the mythological narrative strand.

The rediscovery of the myths in the 19th century

In the 19th century, with romanticism and symbolism , mythological topics gained great importance again. Artists like Gustave Moreau and Arnold Böcklin created works that dig deep into the human psyche and often highlight dark and mysterious aspects of mythology. Moreau's "Jupiter and Semele" is an outstanding representation that captivates with its detailed and eccentric visual language and is remembered by the viewer with both its beauty and its uncanny.

Arnold Böcklin's "Die Dead Island" is another masterpiece of symbolism that is strongly inspired by mythological and spiritual topics. The dark and melancholic representation of a lonely boat that is heading for a mysterious island has fascinated generations of artists and viewers and remains one of the most iconic and mystical representations of romance.

Another remarkable example is the work of John William Waterhouse , a leading representative of the Präraffaelite. His paintings, such as "Hylas and the Nymphs" or "The Lady of Shalott" , resort to mythological and literary sources and combine them with an intensive, almost photographic detail and supernatural romance.

Modernist approaches and the surrealists

With the advent of modernity and surrealism , artists began to interpret mythological topics in new and sometimes even revolutionary ways. Salvador Dalí , with his pronounced penchant for bizarre and fantastic, was strongly inspired by mythological motives. His painting "The Consistency of Memory" contains subtle allusions to the time and mortality, topics that are deeply rooted in many old myths and legends. Surrealists often use the symbolic power of the myths to explore the unconscious and create new levels of reality.

Another remarkable example is the work of Giorgio de Chirico . His metaphysical cities and mysterious figures, as in "The Secret and Melancholy of a Street" , are very inspired by classic myths and explore the topic of isolation and transcendent in a modern, urban environment.

Max Ernst , another prominent surrealist, created a powerful and provocative reinterpretation of religious and mythological topics "The Virgin cions the Jesus' boy to three witnesses" Due to his distinctive collage technology and dream logic, he created a world that is both familiar and deeply strange, and which appeals to the viewer on a subconscious level.

The importance of mythological art in the present

Today we experience a renaissance of mythological art, be it through new interpretations in film, literature or digital media. Artists such as Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst often use mythological topics to treat contemporary concerns. These modern myths continue to address universal human topics and offer us a bridge between past and the present.

A remarkable modern work is Damien Hirst's sculpture "The Unknown Soldier" , which mixes the ancient mythology of heroism with contemporary issues of war and memory. Jeff Koons' work, such as the huge "Balloon Dog" , often use the lightness and playfulness of pop art to confront modern consumption with ancient topics.

Another example from the recent past is the Prometheus representation "P Alette with wings" ( 1985) from Anselm Kiefer . His large -format paintings and installations take up the subject of titanic and mythical violence and combine them with the horrors and trauma of the 20th century. Kiefer's work not only illuminates ancient myths, but also its permanent relevance and effect on our modern world.

The continued existence and the re -evaluation of these old stories in today's art world shows how deeply rooted and constantly the power of myths is.

An eternal Mirrors of the human soul

The representation of ancient myths and mythological beings in art is more than just a journey into the past. She is a Mirrors picture of our own hopes, fears and dreams. These artistic evidence help us to better understand our own humanity and offer us timeless wisdom that remain relevant for the thousands of years.

Let us get inspiration from these stories and dive into the fascinating world of myths that have so much to tell us today. The next time you stand in a museum and look at a centaur, a nymph or the Greek gods, remember: You see not only art, but the eternity of human experience.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

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