Two birds associated with myth: Zeus’s eagle, often used to indicate his presence in disguise, and the symbol of night and wisdom, the owl.
Bouguereau
Spinning natural fibres like wool into yarn was “women’s work” and had several connotations, here explored in paintings, and the origin of the word ‘spinster’.
Fabrics and clothing shown in paintings by Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degas show the broad range seen at the time of Impressionism.
How we got from one of the most senior gods, and a winged young man, to a chubby infant armed with a bow and arrow, let alone an unknown former saint.
Symbols of the night, and through association with Athena/Minerva, for wisdom and learning. Owls in paintings to William Blake.
Having murdered his own mother in revenge for her murder of Agamemnon, Orestes is hounded down and driven mad by the Furies.
Bishop’s crosier, monarch’s sceptre, field-marshal’s baton, or just another fashion accessory?
Bare feet as a sign of rural poverty, among irregular peasant volunteer soldiers, and striking miners. But what about the kissing of feet?
Wonderful paintings by Reni, Fragonard, Evelyn De Morgan, Poussin, Rubens, and a very unusual late Fantin-Latour.
Seldom painted, except in Bouguereau’s pair of paintings showing her mother Nyx and Hemera.
The Eclectic Light Company 