Looking and sniffing at one of the toughest non-visual theme for paintings. Can any go beyond mere allegory and ev0ke the sensation?
Rubens
The slaying of a dragon/serpent, and transformation of its teeth into warriors, make for five superb paintings spanning most of the story.
Less than 30 lines of the book are devoted to the abduction of Europa, which has become its best-known and most-often painted story.
No less than 6 different stories, 4 transformations, 5 wonderful paintings, all from less than 150 lines of Latin verse.
Rape, ejection from society, transformation into a bear, then into a constellation: poor Callisto, but some superb narrative paintings.
One of the most dramatic and vivid myths, causing a ‘Great Fire’ which matches the Flood. Superb paintings from Rubens, Poussin, Moreau.
A triple bill of myths, ingeniously interwoven into a story with four different metamorphoses – and some superb paintings.
To commemorate the centenary of his death, some of the best portraits of the 19th century, and more.
Not an easy story to paint, Ovid’s clear account has been largely ignored. Because it is now too absurd to show?
Greek painted pots, a pair of gold earrings, and a rude quiver: how they led a beer advertisement into danger.
The Eclectic Light Company 