This gallery contains multiple representations of Greek mythological creatures in paintings, sculptures and so on. Some of this creatures are Centaurs, Sirens and Minotaurs.
Hunting Centaur, mid-4th century A.D., From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest
Centaurs are half human-half horse, believed by the Greek, to be loyal and strong creatures. In this fine scrap of stone we can appreciate a scene full of movement. A hunter's final deadly grab on his prey. The beauty of this piece is proof that human imagination knows no limits.
Pitcher with Herakles Wrestling Triton, about 520 - 510 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
The mass of tangled bodies on this pitcher, induces the illusion of full movement within the composition. It is possible to visualize Herakles next moves to defeat the geek monster, Triton. It was crucial for Greeks that their heroes defeated mythological creatures in order to be recognize by their society.
Achilles Educated by the Centaur Chiron, Peter Paul Rubens, 1630 - 1635, From the collection of: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Geeks believed that centaurs were the entailed with the responsibility of training warriors who will become heroes. Here, Achilles rides on Chiron's back, a scene that embodies balance and movement.
Wine Cup with Bellerophon Fighting the Chimaera, 570 - 565 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
A brutal fight takes place on this wine cup, Bellerophon along with his pegasus struggles to kill such violent creature: the chimera, a merge of lion, snake and goat. This vile creature could be a combination of different animals, since the word "chimera" just means a creature form out of multiple other beasts.
The Siren (Siren) (Green Abyss), Giulio Aristide Sartorio, [1893], From the collection of: Galleria Civica di Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Torino
A Subtle movement with a terrifying outcome is represented on this painting. Almost like a dreams this man have found a beautiful woman, yet she is a mermaid, known by the Greeks as Merpeople, who will drown him without mercy.
Theseus and the Minotaur (Second Version), Antoine-Louis Barye, modeled: 1843; first cast of second version: 1857, From the collection of: The Walters Art Museum
Minotaurs are greek terrifying creatures, body of a men and head of a bull. For being a statute, this piece properly brings to life a forceful fight, in which Theseus is about to kill the Minotaur. Even a hard piece of stone can look alive and full of energy, giving us a sense of the adrenaline and chaos of this scene.
Ulysses and the Sirens, John William Waterhouse, 1891, From the collection of: National Gallery of Victoria
For Greeks, "Sirens" were bird-like women whose song will carry sailors to their death. This scene inspires tension and fear from Ulysses due to the sirens attack. Both his men and himself are trying to stay sane and move forward.
Perseus slaying Medusa, Laurent Marqueste, 1876/1903, From the collection of: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
A formidable fight, Perseus is about to destroy a horrible and terrible creature, named Medusa. This monster could transform anyone in stone with just her gaze. It is quite ironic that this scene is presented as a sculpture. There is so much movement within the piece, Medusa's scream can almost be heard to her expression and body movement; while Perseus is totally focus on providing the final hit.
Water Jar, about 525 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
The most iconic scene in Greek's history: Hercules defeating the Hydra. The multiple serpent heads and pose of the bodies adds to this image an undoubtable movement.
Nymphs and Satyr, van Poelenburgh, Cornelis, Before 1667, From the collection of: Dulwich Picture Gallery
A Satyr is a greek creature whose lower body belongs to a goat, and the upper part of a man. In this painting, we can appreciate a Satyr dancing with the Nymphs, Nature's spirits. Their poses and expressions demonstrates happiness and a rhythmical movement following a music that only they know.
Credits: All media
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