Six men fight to the death to settle a whole war. But that is only part of a story which seems too good to be true. And a great masterpiece by David.
myth
According to legend, he held the bridge which kept the Etruscans out of the city, while the bridge behind was demolished. Some wonderful paintings.
An ingenious telling of the story of Perseus rescuing Andromeda from the jaws of a sea monster results in many superb paintings.
With no diplomatic mission to accomplish, and an open commission, Rubens was free to express his experience of war.
When you’re a great narrative painter and a diplomat, one painting might be all that is needed to secure a peace treaty.
The short conclusion to the house of Cadmus is touching, doubly transformative, and painted by a single artist.
Princess, sorceress, seductress, wife, mother, and vengeful filicide – one of the most complex characters to paint. Known from her letter in Heroides, and a lost work by Ovid.
Juno takes a day-trip to Hades in her bid to unleash one of the Furies on this unfortunate couple. A wonderful Brueghel which is as good as Bosch at his best.
The last of the stories told by the daughters of Minyas, and among the most unusual of myths. Ovid’s account has depth, and these paintings are as thought-provoking.
An illustrated index to the articles in this series, with an introduction, and extensive references and links.
The Eclectic Light Company 