THETIS THE MOTHER

 #Thetis #Greekgoddess #Achiles #Hephaestus #mythology 

THETIS THE MOTHER

While THETIS obtaining a new Shield and set of armour for her son Achilleus is a popular theme in Greek Roman and later art let us give some thought as to why Hephaestus was so willing to help her.

Art dealing with this topic seems to have been lost but Thetis and her Nereid sisters acted as a foster mother to both Hephaestus and Dionysious.

It may well be that some art thought to depict the return of Hephaestus to Olympus actually are depictions of Hephaestus riding to Thetis' wedding ? 

Note in this image Hephaestus wears a wreath and his half brother Dionysious is next to him?

She's also shown as the Mother mourning her son 

But let us end again with Thetis the Mother riding her seahorse to carry a new shield to her son.

Athena Disrobing

 

Classical art of various eras Greek and later is often described as humanistic

Here is one example that shows why pottery is as important an expression of Greek Classical culture as literature or drama or history.

This is Athena disrobing from her armored glory!

One tendril of hair has come loose from the headband binding it up to fit under her helmet.

Her robes have slid off her shoulders until we can see her transparent under gown.

One might doubt this is the goddess and perhaps rather a mortal woman dressed as the goddess for she seems so human here but the tiny owl or owlet is perhaps a touch of humor or a reminder this is indeed the patron goddess of Athens depicted.

THe beauty and excelleence of gods and humans alike is praised and depicted in Greek Classical art.

Is this Poseidon?

IS THIS POSEIDON OR ... ?

It is generally presumed this ancient Greek Bronze is a statue of Poseidon

WHY ?

We have no idea if he was holding a thunderbolt or trident spear.

He could just as easily be a javelin throwing athlete?

One of the reasons this is thought to Poseidon is that similar images exist but in different media.

This is a coin Note the VERY similar pose.

metousia,

And again here. Given the custom of "dressing" some statues it's possible the bronze is missing a separate piece of bronze detachable drapery or was given a metal cloak of gold once installed in a temple or shrine?

Judgement of Hermes

JUDGEMENT OF PARIS CERAMIC PAINTING
Some Observations

#Hermes #Paris #Greekceramics

Hermes is a bearded adult not the beardless youth of many Hellenistic and Roman works. The painter has used the white slip to emphasize small details that might not stand out on the traditional older black background and has used some kind of yellow ochre as well as a red ochre and black giving him or her a 4 color 5 if you count white palette?

There's a hint of beads or embroidery on Hera's robes and the yellow ochre is used to outline the wings on Hermes' boots and on Hera's crown. Black seems to have been mixed with red to create a dark brown for the edges of robes unless thats fading?

The overall effect is simple elegance with restraint and balance. Some of the rendering seems almost "sketchy" to a modern eye especially if you expect a wider tonal range so bear in mind these images were painted on small objects not massive urns and the Greek painters and potters did not have modern glazes to use.  No ceramics supplies stores or factories !