This month, our journey continues as we venture into another facet of mythology depicted in art. Fear not, as we’ll still unravel the mysteries of identifying various myths. However, we’ll also discover that classical mythology possesses the intriguing quality of being both straightforward and intricately complex simultaneously.
To kick off our exploration, let’s address a fundamental question: What precisely defines a “myth”?
Extensive scholarly discourse in disciplines like anthropology delves into the multifaceted definition and significance of myth.
However, at its core, the most elemental understanding of the term “myth” traces back to its Greek root, mythos. In Greek, mythos encompasses the meanings of word, speech, tale, or story. The seemingly diverse range of ideas encapsulated by this single word exemplifies the intricate nature of concepts in Ancient Greece.
To unravel the complexities of myth within the realm of art history, we turn our attention to a pair of paintings by Corrado Giaquinto (Italian, 1703–1766) housed in the Museum’s Collection. These paintings, titled “The Rape of Europa” and “The Triumph of Galatea,” form a complementary pair known as pendant paintings, meticulously designed to be displayed together. For an immersive experience, visit Gallery #6 to encounter these captivating works.
To unravel the significance of these myths in the 18th century, we must journey back to the Middle Ages. Classical myths, rooted in the religious beliefs of ancient Greeks and Romans, faced a transformative period with the ascendance of Christianity. The emergence of Christianity posed a perceived threat to this ancient belief system. However, the transition was neither smooth nor immediate, as the allure of mythological narratives persisted. To align them with Christian ideals, these myths underwent a metamorphosis, transitioning from religious tales to moralizing stories.
A pivotal strategy involved appropriating certain gods to symbolize Christian values, creating parallels between myths and biblical teachings. While not universally accepted among Christian scholars, this adaptation ensured the endurance of mythological stories, setting the stage for their “rediscovery” by Italian Renaissance humanists in the 15th century.
The utilization of myth during the early Renaissance was a nuanced affair. On one hand, writers and artists recognized the intrinsic value of the classical past, endeavoring to reclaim what had been lost. On the other hand, these Italian Christians found themselves distanced in time and culture from the original Greeks and Romans, for whom myths were both a religion and a means of understanding the world. Faced with this dilemma, a multifaceted approach emerged, with allegory—explored further at the conclusion of this post—and the concept of ut pictura poesis (as is painting, so is poetry) standing out as two crucial ideas in navigating the intersection of classical mythology and Christian beliefs.
Upon reexamining Giaquinto’s masterpieces, the profound resonance of myth as an evocative theme for crafting poetic artworks becomes unmistakably evident. What better canvas to depict the gripping narratives of enchanting women and men than through the meticulous portrayal of drapery and intricate details?
In essence, our two paintings encapsulate the spirit of ut pictura poesis. Beyond their aesthetic allure, they also function as allegorical expressions, employing symbolic representations to convey broader ideas and concepts. Throughout the Middle Ages, these age-old myths underwent a metamorphosis, assimilating new Christian meanings.
The odyssey of Europa, traversing from Asia Minor to Greece across the Aegean Sea, was metaphorically likened to the soul’s ascent from its earthly vessel to celestial realms postmortem. Likewise, Galatea manifested as the epitome of the pure and virtuous Christian spirit, triumphing over earthly temptations personified by the violent and grotesque Polyphemus.
This brief exploration of allegory merely scratches the surface, and we anticipate delving further into this intriguing subject in upcoming blog posts. Stay tuned for more enthralling insights!