Greek artwork depicting Zeus, the god of the sky.
[Athens - temple of Zeus Olypmpios], Dimitrios Constantin, 1865, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
This is a picture of the temple of Zeus in Athens. It was once home to a giant gold and ivory statue of Zeus that was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The statue inside took about 12 years to complete and was approximately 45 feet tall.
Zeus-Serapis, Unknown, 0150/0300, From the collection of: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
This is a bust of Zeus. It appears to depict the god of the sky as an older man with long hair and wise eyes. This depiction may have been made to display the paternal side of Zeus's relationship with mankind.
Head of a God, Probably Zeus, about 325 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Another bust of Zeus, this particular piece appears to be a younger version of the Greek God (possibly early in his rule of the natural world). His hair is shorter and more youthful while his expression is one of determination and strength.
Statue of Zeus Enthroned, Unknown, about 100 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
This statue depicts the God of Olympia as he sits on his throne over looking the land of the gods as well as humans on earth. In this depiction, he is raising his right hand, maybe to announce a decree of some type. Zeus was believed to be not only the ruler of the natural world but the state as well.
Zeus, thunderbearer, Unknown, -470/-460, From the collection of: Altes Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
This is a statuette of Zeus hurling his famous lightning bolt. As ruler of the sky and natural phenomenon, Zeus was responsible for the weather and storms. He was believed to throw lightning in battle. This is one of the many depictions of Zeus and his thunderbolt, he has been featured in countless movies over the years as well.
The Fall of the Titans, Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem, 1588-1590, From the collection of: SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst
The Fall of the Titans depicts literally that, the fall of the titans. After freeing his siblings from their father's stomach, Zeus gathered all of the God's and Goddess's at Mt. Olympus and lead them in war against their father, Cronos, and the Titan's. They were victorious and in the end they banished the Titans to Tartaros.
Zeus battling the Giants, Attributed to the Underworld Painter, -350, From the collection of: Altes Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
More on the War of the Titans, this is a vase with another depiction of the great battle. Here the image is Zeus fighting the giants by himself. This is just another example of how deeply influenced Greek artwork was by the stories of Zeus.
A Messenger of Zeus and Two Men, Unknown, third quarter of 15th century, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Zeus was often thought to be very involved in human affairs. The Greek people believed that many of the Gods would visit the human world in human form to roam around unseen, Zeus more than others. This is a picture of a drawing and texts depicting a messenger from Zeus visiting two men.
Stater with the Head of Zeus on Obverse and a perched Eagle with Digamma/Alpha on Reverse, Greek (Achaean), 500 - 450 BC, From the collection of: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Art wasn't the only area of Greek culture to be influenced by the God of all things in the universe. Much like we have former presidents and historical figures on our currency the Greek would put Gods and Goddesses on theirs. This is a silver coin with an image of Zeus on one side.
Zeus, Desconocido, 2014, From the collection of: Bogotá Street Art
Although Zeus may have only been worshipped by the ancient Greek, his image and symbolic power have influenced artists throughout history and to this day. He is often used to depict wisdom or strength and his story is well known among a vast audience.
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