In this gallery are representations of the Greek god, Poseidon, and his Roman equivalent, Neptune, in painting, sculpture, and other media. This collection takes a closer look at the colors associated with the deity, their use in works of art and the ways in which they are used to depict Poseidon.
Neptune and Amphitrite, Frans Francken II, c. 1616 - 1620, From the collection of: Brukenthal National Museum
In this 17th century painting, Poseidon is surrounded by many mythical creatures of the seas. Including mermaids, sea horses, and sirens. The uses of bright blues, standing out from the yellow and skin tones, are to denote the important characters of the piece, Neptune and Amphitrite. Neptune can be seen in the center of the painting toward the middle of the crowd wearing flowing red clothing.
Head of Poseidon / Antigonos Doson, Greek, 227–221 BC, From the collection of: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
In this ancient bronze sculpture piece, the lack of color is what stands out when first looked upon. The piece was at one point an extremely bright copper but has since faded. The lack of eyes seems to give the piece a distant feeling, as though the God lacks a soul like man. Poseidon is known for his depictions as having a beard and curly hair as in this sculpture.
The Chariot of Poseidon, Jean Théodore Dupas, 1934, From the collection of: MuMa - Musée d'art moderne André Malraux
This piece is another where the lack of color can hinder the depth of the art. Neptune can be seen in the middle of the throws of the sea caused by the mythical beings he is surrounded by. Color has been replaced with shading in this piece and gives greater definition to the characters and allows the mind of the viewer to fill in the colorless canvas.
Water Jar with Dionysos and Poseidon, about 550 B.C., From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
On this vase is a depiction of Poseidon with Dionysus consulting with a third figure. The colors are that of the classic Greek vase art, yellow, gold, white and black. Here the Gods are shown with black skin and the third figure is white. This is very different from the paintings of the gods where their skin is fair to better connect with the Greeks of that period.
The Beloved of Enalus Sacrificed to Poseidon and Spared, Bernardino Fungai, c. 1512, From the collection of: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
In this 16th century painting, the figure of Poseidon is much different from what we have seen thus far, as he is younger looking with long wavy hair and no beard. On either side of his pedestal are cherub-like beings holding much of the same stance as he is. The colors in this piece are very different in accordance to where the eye looks. Over the water the colors are bright and vivid as blue waters and a clear sky surround Poseidon. Whereas over land the sky becomes a darker golden color, possibly to convey Poseidon's benevolence.
DIANA AND POSEIDON CONSOLE DEMETER IN HER SEARCH, 1810 - 1810, From the collection of: Museum of Arts and Sciences
This 19th century painting displays the three deities Poseidon, Diana and Demeter. While Diana and Demeter are clearly visible in the piece, Poseidon has his back turned toward the viewer as he is pointing out a direction for Demeter for her search. Poseidon has his classic style of curly hair, flowing red robe and headpiece. The characters are standing upon the shoreline looking out over the dark blue waters of the ocean during the night as the bright yellow moon reflects off the surface.
Poseidon and Amphitrite, Rupert BUNNY, c.1913, From the collection of: National Gallery of Australia
Rupert Bunny has depicted Poseidon and Amphitrite in his painting from the early 20th century as two gods traveling the seas. Amphitrite is riding in her signature half clam shell carried by mermen on their backs, while Poseidon rides a mythical seahorse carrying his trident clothed in a dark plum robe. The mixture of yellows purples and reds in the background of the sky suggest that the sun is setting and therefore gives reason to the darker shades of colors used to depict the gods. The sea appears to be a dark blue-green with white foam surrounding the sea dwelling gods.
Olympic series, sailing, Hans Erni, 1983, From the collection of: The Olympic Museum
In this piece by Hans Erni, seamen and their sailboats surround Poseidon. The transparency of the multiple images flowing through one another show the symbolism of Poseidon as the God of the Sea, even showing him as having the lower body of a fish. He is responsible for the calm seas these sailors and fishermen rely upon. The colors in this painting are the most representative of Poseidon thus far, the use of blues and greens to embody the seas and the white sails and boats to symbolize peaceful passage.
Republic of Greece, 20 drachmas, Unknown, 1930, From the collection of: Numismatic Museum
Even though the glory days of the gods and goddess of Mount Olympus has long since passed, the nation of Greece acknowledges its heritage by using the face of Poseidon on one of their coins. On one side the profile of Poseidon can be seen with medium length wavy hair, beard and head piece. On the other side is a Greek sailing vessel, sailing upon waters that Poseidon was in control of.
Series: The Birth of Olympism, Jordi Alumà I Masvidal, 1988, From the collection of: The Olympic Museum
In this Olympic painting, the face of Poseidon can be seen on the left side of the Olympic rings, with hollow eyes and the signature beard, medium length hair and head piece. This piece is dedicated to Poseidon, as the main colors that encompass the work in the smoke and background are a mixture of blues and greens.
Credits: All media
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