Museum Description
Growing up, my favorite movie was Disney's Hercules, not only because of the catchy songs but also because of the story it told about the Greek gods. although it is not historically accurate, the gods Zeus and Hara always captured my attention as they lived on the clouds. Then came the Percy Jackson films, I have never read the books, but I have watched the films only to become more intrigued about gods I had never heard about, mainly Medusa, in middle school, I remember learning more about the Greek gods. I remember finding it bizarre that Zeus and Hara are siblings who are married and have children together. In my project, I will show in potters, sculptures, paintings, pottery, and mosaics to show the godly and human side of Greek myths and how Greek mythology influenced the creativity of ancient Greece
Impact Statement
I want others to feel the same way I did when I first really learned about Greek mythology. I would like people to feel the way I felt when watching Hercules for the very first time: intrigued, fascinated, and wanting to learn more. By listening to the descriptions of the works of art, I would like others to see how these myths also show human feelings like love, sadness, and ambition. and most importantly, I would like for others to understand how important Greek mythology is to our history and how it changed art. I would like others to know that stories from the past are still extremely relevant today
ROOM 1: THE WELL KNOWN
THE ABDUCTION OF PSYCHE
William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1895)
(Content)- This painting, The Abduction of Psyche by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, depicts the mythological story of Psyche being carried to Mount Olympus by Cupid (Eros), the god of love. Psyche, with her eyes closed and a serene expression, leans into Cupid's embrace, symbolizing trust and love. Cupid's wings and their upward motion suggest their ascension to the realm of the gods, representing the union of love and the soul (as Psyche means "soul" in Greek). The artwork explores themes of love, trust, and transcendence, central to their mythological tale and Greek mythology as a whole
THE APOTHEOSIS OF HERCULES
François Lemoyne (1731–1736)
(Content)- This painting, The Apotheosis of Hercules, depicts Hercules ascending to Mount Olympus after completing his labors and earning his place among the gods. Surrounded by divine figures and clouds, the scene symbolizes his transformation from mortal hero to immortal deity. The subject matter conveys themes of heroism, reward, and divine acceptance, emphasizing the values of strength, perseverance, and virtue celebrated in Greek mythology.
APHRODITE ANADYOMENE FROM POMPEII
Apelles (400-301 BC)
(Form)- The artwork here uses soft, flowing lines and vibrant colors to create a sense of movement, mimicking the waves of the sea. Aphrodite’s pose is graceful and emphasizes her beauty, which aligns with the idealized style of Greek and Roman art. The surrounding figures add balance and draw attention to the central figure, Aphrodite, as the focal point.
THE FALL OF PHAETON
Peter Paul Rubens (1604-1605)
(Content) -This painting, The Fall of Phaeton, depicts the dramatic moment from Greek mythology when Phaeton, the son of Helios (the sun god), loses control of his father's chariot. The wild horses plunge to earth, causing chaos and destruction, as gods and other figures intervene to prevent greater catastrophe. The artwork portrays themes of hubris and consequences, as Phaeton's reckless desire to prove himself results in his downfall. It emphasizes the dangers of overreaching and the balance between human ambition and divine power, which were key ideas in Greek mythology.
ROOM 2: SCULPTURES
APOLLO AND DAPHNE
Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1622-1625)
(Content)- This sculpture, Apollo and Daphne by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, depicts the climactic moment in the myth of Apollo and Daphne. As Apollo pursues Daphne, she prays to the gods for help and begins transforming into a laurel tree to escape him. The artwork captures the instant of her transformation, with her fingers turning into branches and her body merging with the tree. The sculpture symbolizes themes of unrequited love, transformation, and the tension between desire and resistance.
THE RAPE OF PROSERPINA
Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1621–1622)
(Content)- This sculpture, The Rape of Proserpina by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, depicts the mythological moment when Pluto (Hades) abducts Proserpina (Persephone) to take her to the Underworld. The sculpture captures the intense emotion and movement of the scene, with Pluto’s powerful grip contrasted against Proserpina’s struggle to escape. Her flowing hair and the dramatic details of their interaction emphasize the tension and drama. The artwork represents themes of power, loss, and transformation, central to the story of Persephone and her dual existence between the Underworld and the Earth.
PERSEUS WITH THE HEAD OF MEDUSA
Benvenuto Cellini (1545)
(Content)- This sculpture, Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini, depicts the Greek hero Perseus triumphantly holding the severed head of Medusa after slaying her. Perseus stands confidently, symbolizing victory, bravery, and divine favor, as he was aided by gods in his quest. The head of Medusa, with its snakes still writhing, represents the danger and terror he overcame. The artwork conveys themes of heroism, the triumph of good over evil, and the fulfillment of a divine mission, central to Greek mythology and its values.
ROOM 3: EMOTIONS
PROMETHEUS BOUND
Peter Paul Rubens (1611-1612)
(Content)- The painting shows a lot of pain and weakness. Prometheus looks really uncomfortable, with his twisted body, tight muscles, and a face that shows he's in a lot of pain and feeling hopeless. The eagle, looking really fierce and using its sharp beak to rip into him, makes everything feel more brutal. Even though he's in pain, Prometheus' strong chains show that he fights back, representing his stubbornness and ability to keep going, even when things are really tough. The dark colours and strong lights make the feelings and sadness of his situation even stronger.
CHARON FERRYING SOULS ACROSS THE RIVER STYX
Gustave Doré (500 BCE)
(Content)- The painting expresses a mix of fear, despair, and resignation. The souls of the dead appear anguished and terrified as they realize their fate, some reaching out in desperation, while others hide their faces in sorrow. Charon, the ferryman, exudes authority and determination, embodying his role as the unyielding guide to the underworld. The dark, ominous background heightens the tension and foreboding, emphasizing the emotional gravity of this mythological passage.
HERCULES AND THE CENTAUR
Giambologna (1595-1595)
This sculpture shows strong feelings, hard times, and winning. Heracles looks strong and determined, while Nessus appears twisted and in pain, showing he's desperate and losing in a tough fight for his life. The lively mix shows the strong feelings of the fight, combining fighting with bravery. Heracles winning shows success and fairness.
End of my Museum
This concludes my museum. I encourage all to seek more information about Greek mythology. there are many interesting stories and lore. along with possibly traveling around the world one day to see these amazing sculptures in real life like i will one day. and if you are not into Greek mythology just yet I would suggest watching the Percy Jackson movies! it will be the start of something new for you!