Six of the best, from Nessus, Deianira and Hercules to the sacrifice of Iphigeia, painted by Tiepolo, Rubens, and others.
Tiepolo
The final article in this series looks at Augustus and Cleopatra, the emperor’s patronage of Virgil, and how Ovid’s own legacy has been transformed in paintings.
Aeneas reaches Latium, where he founds the precursor to Rome, Alba. Only after war with Turnus, and a series of transformations.
The story of Dido and Aeneas summarised in seven lines, and a strange account of the origin of the apes. Paintings by Guérin, Cézanne, Tiepolo, and Fuseli.
Code name for the invasion of Russia in WW2, Barbarossa was one of the most powerful rulers in Europe. Here’s his life in paintings, and his death by drowning in shallow water.
The ‘thousand ships’ of the Greek forces are gathered at Aulis, waiting for fair winds. A sign tells them how long the war against Troy will last, but they have to do something horrific first.
Struck by a ricocheting discus, the young man’s blood is transformed into hyacinth flowers.
How a centaur tried to abduct Hercules’ new bride, and the delayed revenge which led to the death of Hercules.
Some of the key paintings telling the story of the grisly death of the satyr Marsyas, who lost his musical contest against Apollo.
According to legend, he held the bridge which kept the Etruscans out of the city, while the bridge behind was demolished. Some wonderful paintings.
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