Good and Evil in Art
In reality, as well as in art, there is the fight for good vs evil. I will discuss the multitude of ways this dichotomy is portrayed in art.
From the Book of Genesis in the Bible, God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden with the stipulation that they not eat fruit from the forbidden tree.
As the story continues, not without consequences, the evil serpent convinces Eve to eat the apple which leads to original sin (in the Christian belief).
The German printmaker Albrecht Durer's "Adam and Eve" (1504) from Yale University shows the idealized couple as well as four (4) animals representing the different human temperaments.
According to the Bible, the ultimate sacrifice is Christ's crucifixion on the cross by Roman soldiers under orders by Pontius Pilate, on Golgotha Hill (Calvary).
Spanish artist Diego Velazquez's painting "Cristo Crucificado" (1632) is in the Baroque style using realism and emotion. It can be seen at the Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.
Another popular Biblical story is that of David and Goliath. A mere shepherd boy defeats a giant by 'believing in himself'.
In Italy, Donatello created "David" (1400s) which was the first unsupported sculpture cast in bronze during the Italian Renaissance. It was also the first freestanding unclothed male sculpture since Greco-Roman times.
Another example of Christian art is Caravaggio's "Judith and Holofernes" (1625) when Judith saved her people from the Assyrian general by beheading him.
Hercules, the greatest of mythical Greek heroes violently struggled with Antaeus, a Greek giant and wrestler. "Hercules Slaying Antaeus" (1475) is one of a pair tempera on panel by Antonio del Pollaiuolo. They can be seen at the Galleria degli Uffizi.
In Greek mythology, the prince Theseus slayed the Minotaur (half-man, half-bull monster) with the help of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete who offered her yarn so Theseus could mark his path through the Labyrinth.
A Greek water jar (Hydria) illustrates the myth of Theseus killing the Minotaur. It has been dated 550-530 BC and can be seen at Harvard Museum, Boston, MA.
From Greek mythology, Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae, slayed Medusa, the only Gorgon who was mortal. Her stare was said to turn people into stone.
A bronze sculpture, "Perseus with the Head of Medusa" (1545) by Benvenuto Cellini is in the Mannerist style and can be found in Florence, Italy.
French Neoclassical artist Jacques-Louis David painted "Death of Socrates" (1787).
From the story of Socrates refusing to compromise his principles, thus becoming wrongfully convicted of a false charge; then sentenced to death.
From the Book of Genesis in the Bible, God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden with the stipulation that they not eat fruit from the forbidden tree.
As the story continues, not without consequences, the evil serpent convinces Eve to eat the apple which leads to original sin (in the Christian belief).
The German printmaker Albrecht Durer's "Adam and Eve" (1504) from Yale University shows the idealized couple as well as four (4) animals representing the different human temperaments.
According to the Bible, the ultimate sacrifice is Christ's crucifixion on the cross by Roman soldiers under orders by Pontius Pilate, on Golgotha Hill (Calvary).
Spanish artist Diego Velazquez's painting "Cristo Crucificado" (1632) is in the Baroque style using realism and emotion. It can be seen at the Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.
Another popular Biblical story is that of David and Goliath. A mere shepherd boy defeats a giant by 'believing in himself'.
In Italy, Donatello created "David" (1400s) which was the first unsupported sculpture cast in bronze during the Italian Renaissance. It was also the first freestanding unclothed male sculpture since Greco-Roman times.
Another example of Christian art is Caravaggio's "Judith and Holofernes" (1625) when Judith saved her people from the Assyrian general by beheading him.
Hercules, the greatest of mythical Greek heroes violently struggled with Antaeus, a Greek giant and wrestler. "Hercules Slaying Antaeus" (1475) is one of a pair tempera on panel by Antonio del Pollaiuolo. They can be seen at the Galleria degli Uffizi.
In Greek mythology, the prince Theseus slayed the Minotaur (half-man, half-bull monster) with the help of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete who offered her yarn so Theseus could mark his path through the Labyrinth.
A Greek water jar (Hydria) illustrates the myth of Theseus killing the Minotaur. It has been dated 550-530 BC and can be seen at Harvard Museum, Boston, MA.
From Greek mythology, Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae, slayed Medusa, the only Gorgon who was mortal. Her stare was said to turn people into stone.
A bronze sculpture, "Perseus with the Head of Medusa" (1545) by Benvenuto Cellini is in the Mannerist style and can be found in Florence, Italy.
French Neoclassical artist Jacques-Louis David painted "Death of Socrates" (1787).
From the story of Socrates refusing to compromise his principles, thus becoming wrongfully convicted of a false charge; then sentenced to death.
Related Articles
Editor's Picks Articles
Top Ten Articles
Previous Features
Site Map
Content copyright © 2023 by Camille Gizzarelli. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Camille Gizzarelli. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Camille Gizzarelli for details.
