Ancient myths and mythological beings in art

Since time immemorial, art has always sought ways to make the invisible visible, to express the unspeakable, and to make the unattainable tangible. One of the most captivating forms of expression is the depiction of ancient myths and mythological beings . These multifaceted and symbolic creatures not only stimulate the imagination but also offer profound insights into the cultural and social structures of bygone eras .

From the Sphinx in ancient Egypt to contemporary pop culture, mythological creatures have been a cherished theme in art for centuries. They have constantly evolved and adapted to different cultures, styles, and technologies. In Chinese culture, for example, the dragon power and strength, while the unicorn in European folklore symbolized purity and grace.

Creative minds, staging multifaceted human experiences within the world of myth, draw upon dark folktales, depictions from ancient mythology, and fantastical scenarios. They immortalize gods , monsters , and heroes . Through these works, timeless questions and universal themes brought to light, stimulating conversation and challenging our imagination.

The American publicist Joseph Campbell once put it very aptly:

Mythology is not a lie, mythology is poetry, it is metaphorical. It has been well said that mythology is the penultimate truth – penultimate because the ultimate cannot be put into words. It is beyond words. Beyond images. Beyond the Buddhist wheel of becoming. Beyond this limiting edge

In this article, we will explore the captivating journey of mythological beings – particularly from ancient Greece – in art, analyzing their cultural relevance, the methods by which they are brought to life, and their function in fiction and popular culture.

Mythological Art – Origins and Meaning

The roots of mythological depictions reach deep into ancient civilization. The ancient Greeks and Romans illustrated their myths and legends on vases, murals, and sculptures . These works of art served not only decorative purposes but often also had religious and didactic functions. An example from ancient Greece is the famous amphora of Exekias , which depicts Ajax and Achilles

This scene not only offers insight into mythological narratives, but also bears witness to the everyday activities and value system of the time.

Another important work from ancient Greece is the Parthenon frieze . This masterpiece of high relief illustrates various mythological scenes, including the birth of Athena from the head of Zeus. The Parthenon itself is dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city of Athens, and its reliefs are emblematic of the worship of the gods and the importance of myths in the daily lives of the Greeks.

Historical context in ancient Greece

The art and architecture of ancient Greece are not only testimonies but also vibrant reflections of the achievements and aesthetic sensibilities of this remarkable civilization. From the Archaic to the Hellenistic period, Greek culture unfolded in an impressive progression, with each phase contributing in its own way to the emergence of diverse artistic and architectural expressions.

The historical context of Greek art and architecture is inextricably interwoven with the political, social, and religious structures of society. The Greek appreciation of humanism, proportion, and harmony finds powerful resonance in its works, which strive to capture and reflect the beauty and order of the natural world.

During the Archaic period, a clearly defined style emerged, characterized by the development of the Doric and Ionic orders in architecture as well as the emergence of kouros and kore statues in sculpture. This artistic evolution reached its zenith in the Classical era, marked by the majestic construction of the Parthenon and the flourishing of sculptures and ceramics depicting mythological scenes with unparalleled realism and emotional depth.

The Hellenistic period opened up new dimensions of artistic creation, characterized by more dynamic and opulent forms, as exemplified in the works of Lysippos and the impressive construction of the Great Altar of Pergamon .

With this extraordinary development, Greek art invites us to delve deeper into the cultural heritage that continues to inspire artists and thinkers to this day.

Themes and Motifs – The Role of Mythological Beings in Art

Mythological themes and motifs permeated Greek art and architecture in multifaceted ways, reflecting the deeply rooted cultural values, religious beliefs, and human experiences of the society of that time. The gods and goddesses, heroes, and mythical creatures were not only objects of worship but also served as complex allegories for philosophical concepts and natural phenomena.

Temples were lavishly decorated with friezes and metopes depicting impressive scenes from mythology – be it the majestic exploits of Hercules or the dramatic events of the Trojan War. Pottery, too, often illustrated the heroic deeds of both divine beings and mortal heroes in great detail.

These themes and motifs created a narrative framework that profoundly connected the Greeks with their deities and the larger order of the universe. The rich symbolism invited viewers to engage more deeply with the stories and their meaning, offering them a window into the central questions of their existence.

Mythological beings like centaurs , sirens , and minotaurs are not only fantastical creatures but also highly symbolic metaphors . The Minotaur, half-man, half-bull, for example, embodies bestiality in humanity and is often seen as a symbol of the unconscious. Depicting such beings allows artists to explore complex psychological and spiritual themes. Picasso frequently used the Minotaur in his work to illustrate his own inner struggles and human frailties.

Art is the lie that allows us to recognize the truth

Quote by Pablo Picasso

A remarkable example of the depiction of mythological beings is Raphael 's "The Triumph of Galatea ." It shows the nymph Galatea riding across the sea in a shell chariot, surrounded by a multitude of sea creatures and putti. This work embodies Renaissance art through its perfect harmony and idealized beauty.

Mythological Beings – Of Gods, Heroes and Creatures

gods

Across every continent, culture, and throughout the centuries, depictions of gods a striking range of naturalistic approaches. These pictorial representations allow the divine to be integrated into the human sphere, elevating these immortals to captivating figures who nonetheless possess an aura of divine power and dignity. The timeless appeal of such boundless figures has always provided artists with a rich source of inspiration.

Zeus, the god of the sky in ancient Greek mythology . As a central figure in mythological art, he functions not only as ruler and protector, but also as the father of all gods and humans. He is frequently depicted with a thunderbolt, which impressively underscores his authority and divine power.

Athena , the goddess of wisdom and war, is also Rembrandt's "Pallas Athena" (1657) transcends powerful stonemasonry, presenting the goddess in the ornate style of the Dutch Golden Age . Her influence extends to works such as Sandro Botticelli's "Pallas and the Centaur" (1482) and Peter Paul Rubens "Minerva Protecting Peace from Mars" (1629) .

Of course, an analysis of art and mythology cannot omit the incomparable Venus de Milo – a figure that even inspired Salvador Dalí

The depiction of gods was not limited to a specific period in art history . The figurative painter Francis Bacon is known for his crude, disturbing imagery, which is why Greek mythology provides rich inspiration for his tormented, monstrous figures. This is particularly evident in Three Figures and Portrait (1975), where the bird-like creature with the snarling human mouth is associated with the Furies, the goddesses of vengeance and justice.

Heroes

Powerful, intelligent, and perhaps even seductive – the allure of the hero remains timeless. They are ubiquitous in today's film world and have served as inspiring, strong, and impressive figures throughout art history.

Hercules embodies these ideals and is frequently depicted performing his Twelve Labors. These depictions 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 Zurbarán . His painting "Hercules and the Lion of Nemea" shows the naked Hercules performing one of the twelve labors by smothering the Nemean Lion—in a style that blends realism with Italian High Renaissance and Iberian Baroque art.

The Italian master of the late Renaissance, Jacopo Tintoretto , was also inspired by Hercules and created his work "The Origin of the Milky Way" (1575–1580). This painting tells the myth that Hera nursed Heracles; he suckled so hard that she had to push him away, causing her milk to spray across the sky and create the Milky Way – at the same time, she bestowed supernatural strength upon Hercules.

The French Symbolist Gustave Moreau was also fascinated by the Hercules myth and gave free rein "Hercules and the Lernaean Hydra." Hydra , a serpent-like monster, represents the antagonist of the painting, while Hercules stands upright, ready to sever the Hydra's seventh, "immortal" head.

Creatures, monsters, beasts

Tales of monsters and beasts are a fascinating tapestry of fantasy and dark dreams. These stories, as captivating as the legends themselves, have inspired numerous artists and diverse artistic styles. The Minotaur , an impressive creature of Greek mythology with the body of a man and the head and tail of a bull, lives not only in a labyrinthine prison but also in the minds of many creative minds.

George Frederic Watts ' work "The Minotaur" captures the creature waiting anxiously for the arrival of its young victims by ship – a haunting image that reinforces the oppressive atmosphere of this mythology.

Pablo Picasso's Minotaur Ravishing a Female Centaur ( Minotaure amoureux d'une femme-centaure ), (1933) integrates the figure into his shockingly bestial universe, while Auguste Rodin, in his statue of a sacrificing virgin who falls into the clutches of the Minotaur, immortalizes the dramatic scene.

The tale of Medusa has also captured our imagination; the image of this Gorgon with snakes for hair has immortalized her death at the hands of Perseus in numerous dramatic sculptures. Caravaggio was so strongly inspired that he painted two impressive versions of Medusa: the first in 1596 and a second around 1597.

Myths and monsters from around the world are not limited to ancient or Greek mythology. Other artists were also inspired by this diversity of themes, including the French Post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin. When he moved from France to Tahiti in 1895, he drew inspiration from his new surroundings and frequently incorporated gods and stories from Polynesian mythology into his works.

Marc Chagall found similar inspiration in Russian folklore for many of his vibrant, dreamlike artworks. 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 her paintings transport us to the world of Portuguese fairy tales.

J.M.W. Turner also incorporated narratives from classical mythology into his atmospheric landscapes, which are ideally suited as backdrops for battles between heroes and monsters. See for yourself Turner's masterful use of 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 explore timeless themes.”

Other popular mythological creatures from ancient Greece

Greek mythology is rich in fascinating beings and creatures. Here are some more of the most famous mythological beings from ancient Greece:

• Centaurs : Half-human, half-horse, centaurs embody the duality of civilization and savagery. They are known for their raids and ferocity, but also for their wisdom, as in the case of the centaur Chiron, who served as a teacher to various heroes.
• Sirens : These seductive sea creatures are known for their enchanting song, which can lure sailors to their deaths. In art, they are often depicted as women with the bodies of birds.
• Gorgons : The Gorgons are monsters with snakes for hair, the most famous of whom is Medusa. Her gaze could turn anyone who looked into her eyes to stone. Perseus killed Medusa and used her head as a weapon.
• Minotaur : This creature, half man, half bull, inhabited the labyrinth of Knossos and fed on human sacrifices. Theseus managed to defeat the Minotaur and escape from the labyrinth.
• Hydra : The Hydra was a multi-headed serpent monster that lived in the swamp of Lerna. For every head that was cut off, two new ones grew back. Heracles defeated the Hydra as part of his twelve labors.
• Pegasus : The winged horse Pegasus sprang from the neck of Medusa when she was killed by Perseus. Pegasus is a symbol of freedom and was often ridden by Bellerophon.
• Chimera : This fire-breathing creature has the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a snake. The Chimera is a symbol of the menacing and the unbelievable and was defeated by Bellerophon.
• Nymphs : These nature spirits are often associated with specific natural phenomena, such as rivers, trees, or mountains. They are known for their beauty and their ability to interact with both gods and humans.
• Harpies : Hybrid creatures, part woman and part bird, known for their cruel nature. In some myths, they are sent as punishments or signs of the gods' wrath.
• Satyrs : These forest and nature-loving beings, half-human, half-goat, are known for their merriment and their association with the wine god Dionysus. The satyrs of ancient myths embody the exuberant, wild aspect of nature.
• Cerberus : The three-headed dog that guards the entrance to the underworld. He prevents the dead from escaping and the living from entering. Heracles had to tame Cerberus and bring him to the surface as part of his twelve labors.
• Fates (Moirai) : These three goddesses, known as Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, determine the fate of every individual from birth to death. They spin, measure, and cut the thread of life, thus symbolizing 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 Nemean Lion. She symbolizes the threatening and the alien.
• Krinis : Another fascinating figure is Krinis, the guardian spirit of the springs. Krinis/Napaen symbolizes the vitality and purity of nature and its spiritual aspects.
• Manticore : The manticore, a creature with the head of a man, the body of a lion and the tail of a scorpion, symbolizes the terrifying aspects of the wilderness.

Mythological representations across the Art Periods And Movements

Mythological art in the Renaissance

The Renaissance is a period brimming with mythological allusions. Artists like Botticelli , Michelangelo , and Leonardo da Vinci were heavily inspired by ancient myths. Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" not only depicts the goddess of love in all her beauty but also symbolizes the rebirth of classical antiquity during the Renaissance. These paintings were often commissioned by wealthy and educated patrons who saw in the depicted myths a reflection of their own values ​​and aspirations.

Another iconic work of the Renaissance is Michelangelo's "David ." Although David does not originate directly from Greco-Roman mythology, his depiction as an idealized, naked hero heavily influenced by ancient imagery. In this work, Michelangelo combines biblical and mythological elements to portray the human body as a vessel of divine power and beauty.

Leonardo da Vinci also explored mythological themes, as in his painting "Leda and the Swan ." This work, which unfortunately survives only in copies and sketches, depicts the mythological scene in which Zeus, in the form of a swan, seduces the beautiful Leda. Da Vinci's work explores the human and divine yin and yang, both imbued with a deeper spiritual meaning.

Mythological beings in the Baroque period

In the Baroque period, mythological depictions reached a new dimension. Caravaggio and Rubens employed the dramatic chiaroscuro technique to emphasize the intensity and pathos of mythological scenes. Rubens' painting "The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus" is a prime example of the dynamic and emotional power of this era. The portrayal of mythological figures in extreme poses and moments of heightened tension was intended to place the viewer directly into the action and evoke an emotional response.

Another masterful work from this era is Caravaggio's "Narcissus ." This painting depicts the young Narcissus, who is in love with his own reflection in the water. Caravaggio uses his characteristic interplay of light and shadow to heighten the dramatic and tragic nature of the story.

An impressive example of Baroque sculpture is Gian Lorenzo Bernini's "Apollo and Daphne ." This sculpture captures the moment when Daphne, pursued by Apollo, transforms into a laurel tree. Bernini succeeds in immortalizing the movement and drama of this transformation in marble, drawing the viewer deeply into the mythological narrative.

The rediscovery of myths in the 19th century

In the 19th century, with Romanticism and Symbolism , mythological themes regained great importance. Artists such as Gustave Moreau and Arnold Böcklin created works that delve deep into the human psyche, often highlighting dark and mysterious aspects of mythology. Moreau's "Jupiter and Semele" is an outstanding depiction, captivating with its richly detailed and eccentric imagery, and leaving a lasting impression on the viewer through both its beauty and its uncanny atmosphere.

Arnold Böcklin's "The Isle of the Dead" is another masterpiece of symbolism, heavily inspired by mythological and spiritual themes. The somber and melancholic depiction of a solitary boat sailing towards a mysterious island has captivated generations of artists and viewers and remains one of the most iconic and mystical representations of Romanticism.

Another remarkable example is the work of John William Waterhouse , a leading representative of the Pre-Raphaelites. His paintings, such as "Hylas and the Nymphs" or "The Lady of Shalott ," draw directly on mythological and literary sources and combine them with an intense, almost photographic attention to detail as well as a supernatural romanticism.

Modernist approaches and the Surrealists

With the rise of Modernism and Surrealism , artists began to interpret mythological themes in new and sometimes even revolutionary ways. Salvador Dalí , with his pronounced penchant for the bizarre and fantastical, was heavily inspired by mythological motifs. His painting "The Persistence of Memory" contains subtle allusions to time and mortality, themes deeply rooted in many ancient myths and legends. Surrealists often used the symbolic power of 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 Mystery and Melancholy of a Street ," are heavily inspired by classical myths and explore the theme of isolation and the transcendent in a modern, urban environment.

Max Ernst , another prominent Surrealist, created a powerful and provocative reinterpretation of religious and mythological themes in his work "The Virgin Chastising the Infant Jesus Before Three Witnesses ." Through his distinctive collage technique and dream logic, he created a world that is both familiar and deeply unsettling, appealing to the viewer on a subconscious level.

The significance of mythological art in the present day

Today we are witnessing a renaissance of mythological art, whether through reinterpretations in film, literature, or digital media. Artists like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst often draw on mythological themes to address contemporary concerns. These modern myths continue to speak to universal human themes and offer us a bridge between past and present.

A notable modern work is Damien Hirst's sculpture "The Unknown Soldier ," which blends the ancient mythology of heroism with contemporary themes of war and memory. Jeff Koons' works, such as the enormous "Balloon Dog ," often employ the lightness and playfulness of Pop Art to confront modern consumerism with ancient themes.

Another example from the recent past is Anselm Kiefer 's Prometheus depiction " Palette with Wings" ( 1985) . His large-scale paintings and installations address the theme of titanic and mythical violence, connecting it to the horrors and traumas of the 20th century. Kiefer's work illuminates not only ancient myths but also their enduring relevance and impact on our modern world.

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

An eternal mirror of the human soul

The depiction of ancient myths and mythological beings in art is more than just a journey into the past. It is a reflection of our own hopes, fears, and dreams. These artistic testimonies help us to better understand our own humanity and offer us timeless wisdom that remains relevant across millennia.

Let us be inspired by these stories and immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of myths, which still have so much to tell us today. The next time you stand in a museum and gaze upon a centaur, a nymph, or the Greek pantheon, remember: you are not just seeing art, but the eternity of human experience.