The modified myth of Pandora remained popular well into the 20th century, when it must have seemed even more appropriate with war and pandemic.
narrative
The original Greek myth was almost unknown in paintings until the mid-19th century, then, slightly changed, it became one of the most popular myths in paintings.
Examples of putting figures in the spotlight from paintings of Tiepolo, David, Goya, Gérôme, Thomas Eakins, and others.
Using shadows to tell or add detail to a visual story. Examples by Robert Campin, Gérôme. William Holman Hunt, Lovis Corinth and others.
With Achilles out of the war, the Trojan army takes on the Greek expeditionary force. Under the leadership of Hector, it gets the upper hand and puts the Greeks into retreat.
How Veronese was accused by the Inquisition of blasphemy by painting “buffoons, drunken Germans, dwarfs” and others in his vast painting of the Last Supper.
Achilles acquires himself a concubine, as does his commander Agamemnon. When the latter is forced to return his, and takes Briseis from Achilles, there’s trouble.
The Mona Lisa illusion, Mary Magdalene with eyes red from tears or shut in ecstasy, closed from fatigue, or nearly blinded by light.
Surprise, suspicion, and sheer horror in these wide open eyes painted by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Rubens, Annie Swynnerton and others.
Achilles had gone missing, hiding as a young woman in the royal court on Skyros, where Odysseus found him. And a master archer was bitten on the foot by a snake.
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