In this gallery we take a look at iconic Greek Mythology figures. These gods and villains have shape our perspective of hope, fears and have given us a glimpse into the world of "what-ifs". What we have yet to see visually does not eliminate the possibility of what may exist.
Statue of Zeus Enthroned, Unknown, about 100 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Zeus, by the Greeks was regarded as the god of the sky and rain as well as the father of gods and men. Zeus could create natural air and sky phenomena, such as storms, tornados, and intense darkness.
Head of Poseidon / Antigonos Doson, Greek, 227–221 BC, From the collection of: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Known as the God of the sea and brother of Zeus. His weapon of choice is a trident which he could make the earth shake, causing earthquakes, and shatter any object in its path.
Apollo, Jacob Matham, circa 1591, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Apollo is known as the hardest working God in mythology. His many "god" titles included archery,healing,medicine, light and truth. His most important task was to daily move the sun across the sky.
Hercules, John Michael Rysbrack, 1694–1770, Flemish, active in Britain (from 1720), between 1745 and 1752, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
Known as the strongest of all men and even some gods, Hercules was the deciding factor in the victory of the Olympians over the giants. He was the last mortal son of Zeus, and only man born of a mortal woman to become a god
Forge of the Cyclopes, Cornelis Cort, 1572, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Cyclopes were gigantic, one eyed monsters. The chief representative of the Cyclops was the man-eating monster Polyphemus. Known for their savage nature and fearless ambition, the cyclopes struck violence across the lands and had no fear of gods.
Head of Medusa, Peter Paul Rubens, 1617/1618, From the collection of: Moravian Gallery in Brno
She had the face of an beautiful woman with snakes instead of hair. Anyone who looked into her eyes was immediately turned to stone. Originally the priestess of Athena but after sleeping with her husband Poseiden she was turned by the goddess into the iconic creature of nightmares.
A Tiger Fighting a Centaur, Hendrik Hondius I, 1610, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Centaurs are half-human, half-horse creatures. They have the body of a horse and the torso, head and arms of a man. They inhabited Mount Pelion in Thessaly, northern Greece. According to one myth, they are the offspring of Ixion, the king of Lapithae (Thessaly), and a cloud.
Puck on Pegasus, George Cruikshank, 1861, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Pegasus was a winged horse usually depicted as white in color. Legends say that everywhere Pegasus struck his huff on the earth, a beautiful spring was to come. Pegasus is told to be the offspring of Poseiden and the infamous Medusa.
Hercules and Cerberus, Antonio Tempesta, Nicolo Van Aelst, 1608, From the collection of: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Cerberus was a three headed dog that guarded the entrance gates to the underworld. He allowed the dead to enter but none were allowed out. He also hoisted a serpent tail, a mane of snakes and claws of a lion.
The “Heyl Aphrodite,” an exquisite beauty, Unknown, -200/-100, From the collection of: Altes Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Aphrodite is the goddess of beauty, desire and love. She represented sex, affection, and the attraction that binds people together. Also know as Venus, she inspired people to love and the term "Love Bug" was inspired by her magical girdle that compelled everyone to desire her.
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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.
