There are many Hero's throughout Greek Mythology. From Gods to Demi gods the stories and lessons are endless. In this gallery you will follow the story of the warrior achilles. Born from Peleus of Aegina and Thetis a sea nymph or sea goddess and daughter of Nereus, Achilles was born to be a hero. Although destined for greatness, every hero has a weakness. At child birth his mother Thetis attempted to make him immortal, almost successful she ended up leaving a weakness. His heel was left unprotected and served to be his downfall later own in life. Follow the Story of Achilles through multiple mediums including, sculptures, paintings, drawings, and metal works.
The Wedding Feast of Peleus and Thetis, Jacques de Gheyn II, 1589, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The wedding of Peleus and Thetis is depicted in this artwork. Among Peleus and Thetis many gods and goddess were attending this wedding. The artist used lots of shading to depict the masculinity and heroism in the bodies throughout the artwork. A key design element to create this picture is the use of lines allowing a separation from gods and goddesses and mortals and immortals. The wedding was the beginning of the hero Achilles legacy. Peleus part of the royal family of Aegina and Thetis a sea goddess were destined to give birth to a hero. Born mortal, achilles was bathed in the river styx by his mother in order to make him immortal. While his mother would dip him in the water she would hold him by his heel and never allowed the water to touch his heel leaving it vulnerable and mortal.
The Education of Achilles, After Henri Alexandre Regnault, circa 1820-1830, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
This Bronze sculpture depicts a key part of Achilles life. The dynamic placements of the subjects creates an illusion of movement in this piece of work. The purpose of this piece is to show Chiron the centaur tutoring young Achilles. His mother Thetis new that Achilles was not safe with her and entrusted Chiron to mentor her son.
Achilles Delivers Briseis to Agamemnon’s Heralds, Antonio Canova, 1787/1790, From the collection of: Fondazione Cariplo
Taking place during the battle of troy this relief sculpture emphasizes Achilles emotional response to king Agamemnon taking his female companion Breseis, after the kings woman was taken from him. As Breseis is taken away, Achilles is left emotionally frustrated and unhappy.
The Wrath of Achilles, Peter Paul Rubens, 1630 - 1635, From the collection of: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
This oil painting further shows Achilles response to the king taking his woman. Allowing color to show the enraged face of the kings response to Achilles drawing his sword in a furious rage. Eventually stepping back, Achilles responds by pulling back from the war and refusing to fight.
Thetis Bringing the Armor to Achilles, Benjamin West, 1804, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The dynamic use of colors from light to dark allow the mood of this picture and its subjects to shine through. Achilles hovering over his dead friend Patroclus while His mother Thetis is presenting him with his new armor. Patroclus was killed during battle by prince Hector of Troy. Prince Hector believed Patroclus to be Achilles because Patroclus was wearing Achilles armor while Achilles was refusing to fight as a response to king Agamemnon taking his female companion Breseis
Shield of Achilles, Philip Rundell, 1821, From the collection of: Royal Collection Trust, UK
Shield made of silver gilt with a relief used to display many scenes to represent the warrior who wielded it. Made for achilles by the god Hephaestus and brought to him by his mother Thetis. This shield is grand and extravagant displaying the untouchable warrior that Achilles is.
Achilles Dragging the Body of Hector, Pietro Testa, c. 1648/1650, From the collection of: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
This etching displays the revenge that Achilles took on Hector for killing Patroclus. The movement reveals a lot in this picture as well. Achilles posture is towering over the dead Hector, who is being dragged behind the chariot. Achilles reveals through his posture the amount of entitlement that he believes to have in this revenge kill.
Priam Pleads with Achilles for Hector's Body, Bertel Thorvaldsen, 1815, From the collection of: Thorvaldsens Museum
Priam King of Troy is shown on his knees begging to Achilles for the return of his son Hector. An emphasis is placed towards Achilles and Priam as they are positioned in the center of the composition. Achilles ends up listening to King Priam's plead and returns the body of Hector for proper burial.
Achilles Wounded, George Romney, 1734–1802, British, undated, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
After returning to battle fate has taken a hold on Achilles. The simplicity and use of lines in this piece allows us to see the vulnerability that has taken over achilles as he is wounded. Paris the brother of prince Hector, seeking revenge was the one who shot the arrow to injure Achilles and ultimately leading to his death.
Sarcophagus with Scenes from the Life of Achilles, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
This sarcophagus depicts the life of Achilles. Including important scenes of his life such has the dragging of Hector and his training with Chiron the Centaur are revealed around the entire sculpture. Achilles is depicted tone superior and invincible but ultimately every hero has a weakness. By crating a relief sculpture scene to depict Achilles life the artist was able to create a busy composition allowing great detail in the story of Achilles life.
Credits: All media
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