The Prix de Rome changed in the 19th century. Its subjects became more obscure, and its successes few and far between.
myth
Founded around 1666, the Prix de Rome was an annual contest for narrative painting. First prize was study at the French Academy in Rome.
Seashells appear in Turner’s myths, Dyce’s fresco for Queen Victoria, twice in Elihu Vedder’s work, and in Odilon Redon’s. And a story from Rubens about seashells and colour.
Huge clam shells were a common feature in paintings of the birth of Venus, and other classical myths. They also feature in many ‘vanitas’ paintings.
From Aphrodite to Vesta, a reference summary of all the major Classical goddesses, with links to individual accounts.
From Aesculapius to Zeus, key features of each of the major male deities in classical myths, and links to individual articles here.
Wonderful paintings by Reni, Fragonard, Evelyn De Morgan, Poussin, Rubens, and a very unusual late Fantin-Latour.
Known from her wedding, which led to the Trojan War, and for being the mother of the Greek warrior Achilles, she is well-known in paintings.
Easily confused with Artemis (Diana), her sign is the crescent moon, and her lover is Endymion, who despite sleeping forever, fathered her 50 daughters.
Not just a pretty atmospheric effect, she’s a messenger of the gods, and is involved in many myths. Superb paintings by GuĂ©rin, Fuseli and others.
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