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• 1 2017-10-13T15:36:29-07:00 Foley - Statues and figures of Greek Mythology 22 My theme is Greek Mythology in the forms of statues and figures plain 2017-10-13T19:55:39-07:00

  Introduction

  Ancient Greece and Greek life was steeped in mythology, stories of gods, goddesses, and super-humans. These stories and myths were often brought to life in art form, ranging from paintings to statues. In this exhibit we will look at how the Ancient Greeks immortalized those they worshiped and glorified in various mediums, from stone, marble, to bronze. This exhibit covers from the Early Hellenistic Period to the Imperial Period. 
   

  This Head of Herakles is a head which has been broken off of a statue or figure. This head is believed to belong to Herakles/Alexander the Great, which is noted by the Neamen Lions Head he is wearing as part of the Lions skin. The Neamen lions head originates from the Labors, which were tasks set upon Herakles to accomplish. One of the very first Labors included killing a lion, which he did. Afterwhich, he wore the skin of the lion to show what he had done and pronounce his warrior side. Alexander the Great is mentioned as he often used the face of Herakles on coins, to the point that Herakles became the face of Alexander. 

  
  
  
  
  This Helmeted Head of the god Mars  is most likely from a copy of the Colossale Cult Image, found at the temple of Ares at Halicarnassus, on the acropolis. There is some dispute about the sculptor, with Leochares being most widely accepted, but with Timotheos often being thrown into the mix. This head  is identified as the god Mars by the helmet he is wearing, which is plummed, and his near perfect facial features. Notably, the hair protruding from his helmet on his forehead displays a Trajanic or Hadrianic fashion, which leads some to believe this was a new type of interpretation of the god. Source: http://www.mfa.org/node/9416
  
  
  
  
  
  Another well known and much revered god in ancient Greece is Jupiter(Zeus). This particular statue is missing two important aspects. His left hand would have held a scepter-staff, which was a symbol of royalty, and his lowered right hand would have been supported by a thunderbolt. This thunderbolt was significant due to the fact that he was seen as the god of the sky and the thunder which comes from it. His eyes still have remnants of silver inlay, and his left foot is missing. Another notable feature is the way this bronze statue is flowing slightly from the head to the feet, in a leaning stance. Source: http://www.mfa.org/node/9416
  
  
  
  Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, and procreation. In this particular piece, the goddess is nude and seen adjusting or playing with her hair as she emerges from the sea, which is where she is believed to have been born fully grown. This statuette is leaning slightly against a stump with a cloth or article of clothing on it. In ancient times Aphrodite was heavily associated with water, thus statuettes and figures of Aphrodite would often be placed in water fountains or water basins and the like. The style shown here would have been based off of a Hellenistic form. Source: http://www.mfa.org/node/9416
  
  
  
  
  In this relief  two winged youth, often called genii, represent the seasons of Summer and Autumn. You can tell them apart as summer is holding a basket of fruits and flowers, as a second basket is lying at his feet. Autumn, on the other hand has returned triumphant from his hunt, presenting a hare and cornucopia, all the while his hound is excited at his feet. This relief was meant to showcase each season and its cycle in life, which was a common theme in Greek art. However, the winter and spring figures have been since lost. This piece is believed to have originally belonged on a sarcophagus. Source: http://www.mfa.org/node/9416