Masterpieces of Mythology in Classical Painting

The Triumph of Bacchus: Stages of Inebriation

It has been said that each figure represents a different stage of a binge. Their cheerful and euphoric faces are further worsened until they reach the full state of Bacchus's drunkenness. Bacchus himself is depicted sitting on a barrel of wine, presiding over the scene.

The Spinners: The Myth of Arachne and Athena

The Spinners depicts the story of Arachne and her dispute with Athena. The young Arachne was a highly skilled weaver, admired by everyone. People from all over praised her, suggesting she might even be Athena, the goddess of the arts, herself. Proud of her talent, Arachne would not willingly accept the compliment, as she believed Athena had little to teach her.

The goddess appeared to Arachne in the form of an old woman. Arachne showed no concern for the goddess; as the old lady noticed, she might get angry because of this contempt. Faced with such disrespect, Athena revealed her true splendor. The two were challenged to a tapestry-making contest to demonstrate who was the most skilled.

Arachne chose to represent the many scandalous adventures of Zeus, the father of Athena. Irritated by Arachne's evil intentions and her excellent work, the goddess struck the young weaver with her shuttle and transformed her into a spider, condemned to weave for all eternity.

Mercury and Argus: The Hundred-Eyed Guardian

Zeus fell in love with a girl named Io. Jealous of the girl, Hera turned her into a heifer and placed her under the care of an effective guard: a giant called Argus. Argus had one hundred eyes, and he only closed fifty when he slept. Zeus commanded Hermes (Mercury) to free her. Hermes successfully lulled Argus to sleep and, after recovering Io, killed the giant. According to the legend, when Hera learned of her servant's death, she decided to preserve his memory by placing those one hundred eyes on the feathers of the peacock, which subsequently became her symbol.

The Fates: Weavers of Human Destiny

The Fates (Moirai) were the goddesses of human birth and destiny. There were three of them, and each had a mission related to the length of a human life:

• The first spins the thread of life.
• The second measures it with a ball of thread.
• The third is the reaper, who cuts the thread short.

Saturn Devouring His Son: Goya’s Dark Vision

This painting depicts the sinister banquet of Cronus (Saturn). He has already consumed the head and one arm of his son and is shown tearing into another part with his teeth. The body, face, and expression of Saturn are equally tragic and haunting, capturing a moment of absolute madness.

Hippomenes and Atalanta: The Race for Love

Atalanta was a brave huntress known for her incredible agility and speed. As a famous athlete, she participated in the hunt for the Calydonian Boar alongside Meleager. Being a great runner, she challenged anyone who wished to marry her to a race. Hippomenes entered the test and, during the race, dropped golden apples at her feet. Atalanta stopped to pick them up, allowing Hippomenes to hasten his pace and win the contest.