Greek Gods
A Rape Culture Analysis
Greek Myths Through Artistic Mediums.
Experience the Myths we have examined through art, sculpture, and architechture.
Leda and the Swan, Apulian Red Figures on a two handled vase circa 330 BCE, Greek Classical Era.
Leda and the Swan mosaic, circa 3rd Century CE, found in Cyprus.
"Leda Au Cygne."Paul Cezanne. Oil Painting. 1880.
Leda and the Swan, Apulian Red Figures on a two handled vase circa 330 BCE, Greek Classical Era.
Leda and the Swan
These images of Leda and the Swan span from the 4th Century B.C.E. to the Late 19th Century C.E. There have been many representations of the myth of Leda and the Swan, the origins of these pieces include Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Italy, and France. This myth has been depicted in pottery, sculpture, architecture, and paintings. Common themes in these works include portraying Leda in varying states of nudity, and the Swan (Zeus in disguise) positioned in intimate places around Leda. In some representations the Swan is seen biting at Leda and her clothes, completing the metaphor of Zeus's forced encounter with Leda.
"Medusa, Poseidon, and the Birth of Pegasus." Boeotian black figures on a three handled bowl. Dated to the late 5th Century BCE, the Greek Archaic Period.
Medusa relief sculpture from the western pediment of the Artemis Temple in Corfu, circa the Greek Archaic Period. Found in the Archaeological Museum of Corfu.
"Medusa." Arnold Böcklin. Oil Painting. 1878.
"Medusa, Poseidon, and the Birth of Pegasus." Boeotian black figures on a three handled bowl. Dated to the late 5th Century BCE, the Greek Archaic Period.
Medusa and Poseidon
In these potrayals of the myth of Medusa and Poseidon some artists differed in the opinion of whether Medusa was beautiful or ugly. In most depictions of the "Rape of Medusa" myth, Medusa is characterized as a pitiful, and sad creature. This collection of works span from the late 5th Century B.C.E. to the late 19th Century C.E. These works originated in Greece and Italy. A common theme in these pieces include the iconic snake-head hair on Medusa (some works do not include the snake hair), and Medusa characterized in a position of surrender or defeat. In most classical representations Medusa and the Gorgons are shown as monsterous figure, but in more contemporary works some artists may depict her as a beautiful woman.
Pinax of Persephone and Hades from the holy shrine of Persephone at Locri in the district Mannella. Dated to the Greek Hellenic Period. Now located in the Museum of Locri.
Mosaic depicting the abduction of Persephone. Found in the second chamber of the tomb of Amphipolis and dates back to the 4th Century BCE.
"The Return of Persephone." Frederic Leighton. Oil Painting. 1891.
Pinax of Persephone and Hades from the holy shrine of Persephone at Locri in the district Mannella. Dated to the Greek Hellenic Period. Now located in the Museum of Locri.
Hades and Persephone
This collection of works depicting the myth of Hades and Persephone date from the Greek Hellenic Period (4th Century B.C.E.) to the late 19th Century C.E. These works originate from Greece, Macedonia, Italy, and England. Though there are many interpretations of this myth, these works in particular share common themes. In many depictions of Hades and Persephone it is typical to see Hades grasping Persephone in his arms and other figures, usually Apollo or Demeter, reaching for Persephone in desperation. Animal imagery is also a regular theme in works about Hades and Persephone.
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