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Classical Contrasts 27 – Narcissus

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Narcissus, a Laconian hunter who loved everything beautiful.  He was loved by Echo, who he spurned; when he saw his reflection in a pool, he fell in love with himself. A son of the river god Cephisus. Figure: Narcissus, William … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 26 – Minerva

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Minerva (Roman) or Athena (Greek) goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare and the sponsor of arts, trade, and strategy. Depicted wearing armour and carrying a shield.   Daughter of Zeus and Metis. Figure: Minerva, John Cheere, mid 18th century, lead; origin … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 25 – Julius Caesar

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Gaius Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman, who played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. In 60 BC, Caesar, Crassus and Pompey … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 24 – Hermes

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The ancient Greek god of travel, trade and trickery, messenger of the god he conducts the souls of the dead to Hades.  Invented the lyre; symbols the caduceus and winged cap and sandals.  Son of Zeus and Maea Figures: Hermes … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 23 – Hercules

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The Roman equivalent of the Greek divine hero Heracles, son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmene. In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and for his 12 labours and numerous far-ranging adventures, such as fighting the giant Antaeus. … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 22 – Caryatids

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A caryatid is a sculpted female figure used as an architectural support; she takes the place of a column with an entablature resting on her head. The Greek term karyatides means “maidens of Karyai”, an ancient town in the Peloponnese. … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 20 – Genius of Eternal Repose

This gallery contains 5 photos.

Pasithea, in Greek mythology one of the Charites (Graces), and the personification of relaxation, meditation, hallucinations and all other altered states of consciousness. Daughter of Zeus. Figure: The Genius of Eternal Repose, after Ferdinand Barbedienne, 1993, resin; origin unknown (original … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 19 – Faun in Rosso Antico

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Faun (Roman) or Satyr (Greek), a woodland creature that is part human and part goat. Part of the retinue of Dionysus and devoted to drink and sex.  The name faun is derived from Faunus, the name of an ancient deity … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 18 – Domitian

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Domitian was Roman emperor from 81 to 96. He was the son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus, his two predecessors on the throne, and the last member of the Flavian dynasty. During his reign, the authoritarian nature … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 17 – Dionysus

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Dionysus (Greek) or Bacchus (Roman) god of agriculture, wine and fertility, also ritual madness and religious ecstasy.  Depicted as a mature bearded figure or later youthful and beardless His plants were vines and twirling ivy.  Son of Zeus and Semele … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 16 – Diana the Huntress

This gallery contains 4 photos.

Diana (Roman) or Artemis (Greek) was the goddess of hunting, and variously of the moon, chastity, fertility and Nature. Cypress trees were sacred to her. Daughter of Zeus and Leto. Figure: Diana the Huntress (Diana of Versailles), French, c. 1801-25, … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 15 – Diana

This gallery contains 4 photos.

Diana (Roman) or Artemis (Greek) was the goddess of hunting, and variously of the moon, chastity, fertility and Nature. Cypress trees were sacred to her. Daughter of Zeus and Leto. Figure: Diana, John Cheere, c. 1755, lead; origin Copped Hall, … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 14 – Claudius

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Claudius was Roman emperor from AD 41 to 54. Born to Drusus and Antonia Minor at Lugdunum in Roman Gaul, where his father was stationed as a military legate, he was the first Roman emperor to be born outside Italy. … Continue reading

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Classical Contrasts 13 Bacchic Putto

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Figure: Bacchic Putto with Goat, French School, c. 1850–1925; origin unknown.

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Classical Contrasts 12 Bacchus

This gallery contains 4 photos.

Bacchus (Roman) or Dionysus (Greek) god of agriculture, wine and fertility, also ritual madness and religious ecstasy.  Depicted as a mature bearded figure or later youthful and beardless His plants were vines and twirling ivy.  Son of Zeus and Semele … Continue reading

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