Here you will find artist's interpretations of different mythologies. This gallery will show how artists used various techniques in paint, print, sculpture, and jewelry making to bring to life stores from vast cultures. Gallery by Tamara Williamson
The Death of Adonis (with Venus, Cupid, and the Three Graces), Peter Paul Rubens, ca. 1614, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
The story of Adonis slightly mirrors the story of Persephone and the passing of seasons. The painting captures the moment in the story of Ovid’s Metamorphoses where he dies after a hunting accident.
Diana, John Cheere, 1755 -, From the collection of: National Palace of Queluz
The sculpture of Diana depicts the warrior goddess at the start of a hunt. The details of her subtle-yet-happy expression, strong pose, and layered clothing are remarkable.
Statue of a Centaur with its Base, Unknown, 1800s, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Another popular Greek mythological creature the Centaur in this piece is shown with a grace and humor. The powerful, sculptured section of the horse blends with the human portion with great depth.
A Siren and a Centaur, Unknown, about 1270, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Even in medieval text Greek monsters had their own fame. This page from a bestiary helped middle age scholars identify and categorize different types of monsters.
Mono Ehécatl, unknown, 1325/1521, From the collection of: Museo Nacional de Antropología, México
A sacrifical statue of Mexican origin Mono Ehécatl is a monkey wearing the mask of the wind god Ehécatl-Quetzalcóatl. The specific position of his body in mid spiral shows him creating whirlwinds.
Earring cover in the form of a bird, Pacific Coast (Tumaco) - Inguapí Period, -700/350, From the collection of: Museo del Oro, Bogotá
This piece shows the stylized condor, one of the major birds of worship in Pre-Mexican civilization. The carvings of the bird and snakes in gold showcase the skill and detail of the goldsmith.
BRAHMA STATUE, Unknown, 13th - 14th century, From the collection of: Museum Nasional Indonesia
This Hindu statue, found in Indonesia, represents Brahma. The depictions of the four headed deity usually have him sitting on a swan, but this one he stands representing unending life.
KAMAŅDALU WATER CONTAINER, Unknown, 13th - 14th century, From the collection of: Museum Nasional Indonesia
This piece is a functional representation of Indonesian Hindu story named Garudeya. The container does hold water, and how it is dispensed is an important and interesting way of retelling the tale.
Finial (?) of a mythological creature, -1/1, From the collection of: Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
This piece has the familiar look of a Shi, or Chinese Foo Lion. The detailed carvings of its wind like fur, sharp teeth and tusks, and paw on an embroidered ball reveal its the male version depicted.
Ascent to Immortality: Ceiling Mural of Bu Qianqiu Tomb（local）, Unknown, 9, From the collection of: China Modern Contemporary Art Document
Burial murals were important in ancient China. They told the story of ascension into the afterlife, giving the artist a chance to expand their vision on how it may appear.
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This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
