A girl is brought up as a boy. All goes well until they want to marry. Then the gods intervene. A very modern story from 2,000 years ago, with paintings.
narrative
Extensive bibliography, list of all articles, and thorough index of characters covered in this series looking at paintings of the myths in Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
Two transformations: Dryope changes into a Lotus Tree, and the incestuous Byblis becomes a spring.
How a maidservant brings a protracted labour to a successful conclusion, the origin of the Milky Way, and an infant who strangles serpents for fun.
How a centaur tried to abduct Hercules’ new bride, and the delayed revenge which led to the death of Hercules.
Ovid, through Achelous the river god, explains how the Horn of Plenty was wrenched from Achelous’ head in a fight with Hercules. With a gem of modern narrative painting too.
A maze of myths about shape-shifting, Neptune, and the sea leads to two wonderful but puzzling paintings.
It pays to welcome strangers, and to help them rest and recover, particularly when they turn out to be Jupiter and Mercury. A wonderful story, and 4 superb paintings.
‘The Opening of the Wallhalla’ is not a scene from Nordic myth. Here’s how Hermann the German got his (incorrect) name, and how nationalism tried to create a modern myth.
These fascinating works are little appreciated. Here are some clues as to their readings, including some links to contemporary novels about the dark side of the ballet – and more.
