This gallery will show how the Greek god Zeus has been depicted in artworks throughout history. It will show how different cultures have brought him to life through their own unique styles, artists, and mediums. The goal is not to compare or contrast, but to appreciate the different interpretations of Zeus.
Enthroned Zeus, about 100 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Enthroned Zeus is a sculpture of the Greek god Zeus. The sculpture is 100% marble and depicts Zeus sitting on his throne in Olympia. You can clearly see the effect time has had on this piece. While artist is unknown, it is estimated to have been created around 100 B.C.
Epirote Republic, drachm, Unknown, -0234/-0168, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum
Epirote Republic drachma was created between 234 B.C. and 168 B.C. The drachma is a small silver coin that has the head of Zeus, king of the Greek Gods, on one side and an eagle on the other. The eagle represents Aeotos Dios, the personal messenger and companion of Zeus.
Vessel with Leda and the Swan, about 330 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Leda and the Swan Vessel, or Apulian Red-Figure Loutrophoros, was created about 330 B.C. The vessel was created completely out of terracotta and a painter of Louvre is created as the artist. The vessel depicts the story of Leda and the Swan. If you look at the bottom you'll see a swan, Zeus, approach Leda. Look to the top and you'll see Zeus reach out to Aphrodite for help.
Red-figure kalyx krater, Unknown, "circa 380 BC" - "", From the collection of: Museum of Cycladic Art
The Kalyx Krater, created in 380 B.C. by an unknown artist. Although the creator of this artwork is unknown, it is assumed to be Exekias, a famous Greek vase painter. The Krater is red, as is most Calyx Kraters, and depitcts another lustful story of Zeus. Zeus having been smitten by a beautiful woman, Europa, transformed himself into a white bull so that he could get closer to her.
1901, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
This is a photo of a drawing of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia. The original drawing was created between 1498-1574 by Maerten van Heemskerck. The artwork shows the statue of Zeus, in the center with many people doing various activities around it.
Door Knocker with Zeus Vanguishing Giants, Italian 17th Century or Italian 18th Century, late 17th or early 18th century, From the collection of: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
Zeus Vanishing Giants Door Knocker was created in between the late 17th century, and the early 18th century. The artwork shows Zeus battling three giants. It's been painted using blue, black, and grey paper on what I believe to have been a canvas. What is very interesting about this piece is how the artist depicts Zeus. He is drawn with what I believe are wings, which is something that I've never seen before.
Temple of Olympian Zeus, Themistocles von Eckenbrecher, 1890, From the collection of: National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
The Temple Of Olympian Zeus, also known as Olympieion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, was created by Themistocles von Eckenbrecher in 1890. The picture shows the temple of Zeus in Athens, Greece. What you see here is what remains of the temple after it stopped being used because it had been pillaged by barbarians.
1901, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
While this photo doesn't have an actual name, it was taken in 1901. The artwork within the picture shows Zeus fighting against the Typhoon,Typhoeus, son of the goddess Hea. Typhoeus challenged Zeus for the right to rule the cosmos. In the end Typhoeus is defeated, and Zeus retains the right to rule the cosmos, and the Greek Gods.
"Leda and the Swan" Dish, Chagall, Marc, 1950/1950, From the collection of: Museu do Caramulo
Leda and the Swan Dish was created by Marc Chagall in 1950. The dish shows a naked woman and a swan together surrounded by foliage. The woman being Leda, and the swan Zeus. The figures are representing the story of Leda and the Swan. Zeus having been so struck by Leda's charms, transformed himself into a swan to get closer to her.
James Whitmore, 1959-11, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
The Pergamon Altar, or The Great Alter of Zeus and Athena. While the picture only shows a reconstruction of the original, it is a good recreation. The altar shows frieze of the many gods and and heroes of Greek mythology. Although it is a little difficult to see, the side panels of the altar depict the life of Telephus, founder of Pergamon. There is a frieze of giants battling the Olympian gods that show Zeus and Athena in prominent locations. The altar is assumed to have been created as thanks to the gods, most notably Zeus and Athena.
Credits: All media
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.
