A common convention in paintings of classical myth, the river god was a bearded old man with a put pouring forth water, often seen with a Naiad, his daughter.
Tiepolo
For over 300 years, the most popular literary source for narrative paintings. This new series will cover the background and tell its story in great paintings.
One of Rome’s greatest generals, he was consul for a record seven times, but died in the throes of the First Civil War, his hands covered with the blood of good Roman citizens.
Much happened during his time as Rome’s great statesman: Lucretia was raped and her suicide inspired revolution. Then came the transition to a republic. Paintings by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Rubens and van Dyck, and more.
Six of the best, from Nessus, Deianira and Hercules to the sacrifice of Iphigeia, painted by Tiepolo, Rubens, and others.
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.
The Eclectic Light Company 