Article by Vladimir London, Drawing Academy tutor Ivan Aivazovsky, born July 17, 1817 in Feodosia, Crimea. Most famous for his seascapes, he started life the son of a poor Armenian merchant. His artistic talents were recognized early in life when he became apprentice to a local architect, Jacob Koch. He soon moved to Simferopol to…
Art is eternal and born with mankind, god has inculcated different forms of art not only in humans but also in animals which mesmerizes us humans. There is no question about how humans have learned from nature, the different forms of art. If I am talking about myself, I was eager to draw something on paper at an early age, the pictures in the newspapers, magazines and of course my school books always inspired me to draw, that was my beginning of drawing as an art.
John Bauer is a Swedish illustrator and painter primarily known for his works published in a literary magazine named Bland Tomtar och Troll (translated as “Among Elves and Trolls”) at the beginning of the twentieth century.
The history of art is full of mermaid splashes, siren songs, and lost treasures recovered by the daughters of the sea. This mythological creature, who loves showing her tail in many cultures that dwelled by the sea, inspires artists and whispers creative ideas into the ears of those who listen.
Yet, as far as I could have seen, there is confusion about the sirens and mermaids. Sometimes, sirens and mermaids are confused for each other. They indeed share a similar skillset and have the same attitudes against sailors who breach their seas. Yet they looked different in Ancient Greek art.
John William Godward was a Victorian Neo-Classicist who lived at the turn of the Twentieth Century. His paintings depict life in Ancient Rome and sometimes in Greece, such as Sappho. As a student of the ancient world, I have always been fascinated by Godward’s art. His paintings are almost photoshoots taken two thousand years ago. Godward’s attention to detail in dresses and profound knowledge of Roman architecture re-creates the ancient world.
The Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates is known through Xenophon and Plato’s works.
As the figure at the very beginning of philosophy who met a very untimely and unfortunate end, Socrates and his life have been central themes in classical art.
“Sing, O goddess, of the anger of Achilles, son of Peleus; he brought countless ills upon the Achaeans.”
Homer, Iliad, Book 1
Achilles is known as the greatest hero of the Trojan War. Yet, he owes his greatness to a trick that did not fully work as intended until the end.
Achilles is the son of the Nereid Thetis and a mortal man, King Peleus, also known as the Old Man of the Sea. Nereids are daughters of Poseidon; they are of divine descent and immortal beings. The Nereids are akin to the Gods; they can visit Olympus and stay very close to the gods. Yet, Peleus, Achilles’ father, was no god; he was a mortal man, so his son was mortal as well.
Nineteenth-century artist John William Waterhouse was inspired by the tales and myths of the Ancient Greek world. Circe, a curious figure from Greek mythology, was one of his favorites to study. He made three paintings with Circe.
Astrology has always been a point of interest in the history of art. In today’s popular culture and social media circles, Astrology is a trendy area accessible to almost everyone. This was not so before the twentieth century, it used to be practiced and admired by a tiny portion of the society.
Astrology is a technique that has been developed since very early ages. It is a tool to determine the quality of time. In the past, kings and queens consulted their astrologers to select the best times to decide or start a process. In a modern sense, Astrology can also benefit self-analysis and self-improvement. It is also a way to give meaning to the universe, which allows us to extend our imagination beyond our daily experience.
In Greek mythology, Hermes is the messenger of gods, the god that is closest to human and daily life. Hermes delivers messages from Gods to mortals, and he frequently appears to humans to give them a helping hand. In Ancient Greece, Hermes was revered as the patron of teachers, writing, and oration. He was also a patron of trade, all the comings and goings of daily life. He also brought people together, ruled social gatherings, and helped lovers meet at the end. He was the guard of the ways, paths, and trade routes.
