How Arethusa was turned into a sacred stream, why King Lyncus was turned into a lynx, and what the Pierides were transformed into.
Martin
Played by warriors including Paris of Troy and Achilles, also by Saint Cecilia, angels, and a siren. And with only one string left, in Watts’ allegory of Hope.
By the end of the 18th century, remains of Pompeii were being excavated and inspired painters to re-imagine life and death in the city.
The Last Supper, Veronese’s series of New Testament feasts leading to his appearance before the Inquisition, and Belshazzar’s Feast.
The greatest bard, musician and poet in classical Greek myth. Paintings from Paulus Potter, Poussin, Jan Brueghel the Elder and others.
Depicted as a physical place full of demons, torment and eternal suffering, and a deterrent to all those who commit sins on earth.
The myth of Deucalion and Pyrrha, and others, painted by Rubens, Poussin, John Martin, and real floods by Alfred Sisley.
A summary history from 1700 to the 20th century, with examples of major paintings, and links to each of the detailed articles in this series.
A vast canvas with an apocalyptic vision of death and destruction? It must be one of John Martin’s, then. Another distinctive British narrative painter.
Its two scenes with witches are most famous, and often confused. There’s more to this play, though, and other scenes in fine paintings.
