Mythology art is present in nearly every art movement and era. These artworks depict stories, legends, and religious figures from every civilization that has ever developed an artistic culture. However, the most well known mythology is seen throughout classical art styles. Many artists got their inspiration for mythology art through poetic works and plays, as well as legends.
One literary subject of poetic mythological artwork were Shakespearean plays, such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Midsummer's Night Dream, all of which displayed fantastic elements for artists to use in their classical depictions.
Additionally, subjects such as Greek or Roman mythology provided ample fodder for the imagination of artists, many of whom used these figures to fashion symbols and depictions of Christianity in their work. It wasn't uncommon for artists to depict Jesus in the same fashion as Apollo or Mary in the same way as Aphrodite or Venus. Raphael and Botticelli, in particular, had works of this nature although Botticelli's 'The Birth of Venus' is his most famous work in this genre. Likewise, personification of various traits such as love and ego were common in this category of art, as shown in Bouguereau's painting, 'Girl Defending Herself against Love' and 'Ravishment of Psyche'.
The use of mythology in artwork also served as an inspiration for modern artists. Gustav Klimt's 'Danae' is a whimsically sensual example of this but other modern artists also found the subject of myths and legends appealing in their work. For example, Pablo Picasso had an entire series of paintings devoted to the Minotaur, and Romare Bearden retells the ancient classics of the Trojan War with African-American heroes and heroines.
Fantastic creatures, gods, goddesses, and romantic tales are all the birthright of mythological artwork. Not surprisingly, this category of art is as popular as it always has been and will most likely continue to be. These pictures ignite the imagination of those who see them and leave behind a sense of wonder that is as timeless as the stories that have been transferred to canvas.
