Ariadne (1898 CE)
The painting draws from the Greek myth of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete, who aided Theseus in defeating the Minotaur only to be abandoned by him on the island of Naxos.
Tag Mythology
Inspired by myths and legends, from sculptures of gods to illustrated tales. This category brings to life the fantastical stories that shaped ancient beliefs and artistic expression.
Jar With Dragon Design (1700s CE)
Painted c. 1700s, this Joseon porcelain jar from Korea shows a dragon chasing a cintamani pearl.
David Victorious Over Goliath (1722 CE)
Modeled in 1722, this Florentine terracotta by Foggini shows a humble David on a defeated Goliath in Baroque style.
Raft Cup (1345 CE)
Hammered in 1345 CE, this Yuan dynasty silver raft cup from China depicts Zhang Qian with a loom stone.
Plate With Winged Griffin (400s-600s CE)
Hammered c. 500–600s CE, this Soghdian silver plate from Central Asia depicts a griffin in relief.
Athena Mirror Box (330–270 BCE)
Cast 330–270 BCE, this Greek bronze mirror with gilding bears a riveted Athena relief on its lid.
Ballgame Palma (c.900-1100 CE)
Carved 900–1100 CE, this stone ballgame palma from Mexico’s Gulf Coast shows bats and sacrifice in Classic Veracruz style.
Twelve-Sided Ewer (1300-1350 CE)
Made between 1300 and 1350 CE, this brass ewer from Iran’s Ilkhanid period bears silver-inlaid sphinxes and human-headed script.
Naga Finial (1100s CE)
Cast during the Angkor period (9th–15th centuries), this bronze piece shows a multiheaded naga.
Gold Plaque (500-200 BCE)
Hammered between 500 and 200 BCE, this gold plaque from Peru’s Chavín culture shapes a fanged deity with sixteen serpents along the edges.
The Feast of the Gods (1514 CE)
This mythological feast of the gods, inspired by Ovid’s Fasti, depicts a lively gathering of gods and nymphs in a forest setting, having fun.
Idyll (1880 CE)
This oil-on-canvas masterpiece portrays a tranquil countryside moment with a young flute-playing shepherd and two nymph-like women lounging under a tree. a pure idyll.
The Parade Armour of King Erik XIV of Sweden (1562 CE)
This parade armour is an extraordinary example of Renaissance craftsmanship, designed to symbolize Erik XIV’s power and legitimacy, adorned with mythological motifs and national symbols.
Mars (1906 CE)
An oil-on-canvas painting from 1906, portraying the Roman god of war, Mars, in a dramatic landscape with Germanic mythology and astrological symbols, blending romanticism and cosmic themes.
Sea Awakening (1893 CE)
A delicate tempera on cardboard painting from 1893, depicting a water nymph emerging at dawn in a mystical, naturalistic seascape.