Greek Mythology on Canvas

The Birth of Venus Sandro Botticelli

Italian artist Sandro Botticelli was among the more prominent artists from the early Italian Renaissance era. His creations were mostly based on Christian religion but also was inspired by Greek mythology. This artwork is among his best-known paintings. It depicts the goddess Venus aka Aphrodite in Greek mythology coming out of the sea. Other Greek or Roman gods or goddesses can be seen on either side of Aphrodite. These include the wind god, Zephyr.

Pallas and the Centaur Sandro Botticelli

Another well-known painting by Italian artist Sandro Botticelli depicts another scene from Greek mythology. It was completed in 1482. The painting shows Pallus, the goddess of wisdom and ingenuity and the centaur, often associated with uncontrolled passion. Pallus is associated with Athena goddess of wisdom and war. In this artwork she seems to be taming the half-man/half-beast Centaur.

Pygmalion and Galatea Jean-Léon Gérôme

French artist and sculptor Jean-Leon Gerome was known for creating artwork with classical themes related to Greek mythology. In the 19th century he was associated with the art movement Impressionism. This artwork is among his masterpieces completed in 1810. It depicts a scene from the famous poem by Roman poet Ovid. On canvas one can see the exact moment Pygmalion, the sculptor kisses the goddess Aphrodite after she comes to life.

The Lament for Icarus Herbert James Draper

English artist Hebert James Draper was known for his artwork that included Greek mythology. He focused on painting figures related to both Greek and Roman mythology.Many of his paintings are among the better-known artworks of the 19th century. This artwork is among his masterpieces completed in 1898. It depicts the story of Icarus focusing on the moment of his downfall after he died. Icarus is surrounded by nymphs. Icarus was the son of Daedalus, the inventor of the labyrinth of Crete. He died when his wings made of feathers and wax melted in the sun, falling into the sea.

Perseus and Andromeda Frederic Leighton

English artist Frederic Leighton focused a lot on Greek mythology. This artwork is among his best well-known paintings depicts a scene from the well-known Greek myth that has been portrayed in film and art for centuries. The painting features Andromeda, the daughter of Cepheus, the king of Aethiopia at the moment she is set upon by the sea monster.

Prometheus Bound Frans Snyders and Peter Paul Rubens

Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens was among the most notable artists of the 17th century. The painter is considered to be one of the most prominent Baroque artists. He created this artwork in 1612. In the painting the figure of Prometheus was painted by Rubens and the giant eagle created by Flemish artist Frans Snyders. Prometheus is a Titan in Greek mythology who defied Zeus by giving fire and civilization to humanity. He was punished by being chained and tortured by an eagle.

The Fall of Phaeton Peter Paul Rubens

Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens was known for his paintings depicting Greek mythology. This artwork was completed around 1604 or 1605. It depicts the Greek god Zeus at the height of dramatic actions.The myth of Phaeton is a recurring theme and the artist depicts the moment when Zeus hurls thunderbolts providing light to see the horror on the faces of Phaeton, the horses, and other figures. The butterfly winged female figures represent the hours and seasons, who react in terror as the night and day cycle becomes disrupted.

Oedipus and the Sphinx Gustave Moreau

French artist Gustave Moreau was known for creating dramatic artwork with images from Greek and Roman mythology. He was a prominent artist during the Impressionist movement. This artwork is among his most famous completed in 1864. It depicts Oedipus, according to legend, at the moment he meets the Sphinx and has to answer a famous riddle in order to gain passage onward.