Tag Archives: Mythology

6th Century AD: Medusa

Posted on November 23, 2017 by corvusfugit

No one really has an explanation for the two massive Medusa heads that support columns in the Basilica Cistern, a cathedral-sized reservoir underneath the city of Istanbul. The Medusa, of course, is a monster from Greek mythology: a winged woman … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 6th Century, Civil Engineering, Istanbul, Justinian I, Mythology, Turkey | Leave a comment

1875: Modern Cyclopes

Posted on November 12, 2017 by corvusfugit

Adolph von Menzel: Iron Rolling Mill (Modern Cyclopes) (1872-1875) The elder Cyclopes—not to be confused with the shepherd Cyclopes encountered by Odysseus—were single-eyed immortal giants cast into the depths of the earth upon birth by their father, Uranus, along with … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 1870's, 19th Century, Adolph von Menzel, Art, Factories, Germany, Labor, Mythology, Painting | Leave a comment

1913: Then from the Darkness there Came Another Sound

Posted on October 31, 2017 by corvusfugit

Beatrice Elvery: Fionn and Áillen (1913); illustration for Violet Russell’s Heroes of the Dawn (source) In Irish mythology, Áillen the Burner came forth every Samhain from Mag Mell, the underworld, to burn the scared site of Tara to the ground … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 12th Century, 1910's, 20th Century, Beatrice Elvery, Fionn mac Cumhaill, Ireland, Mythology, Violet Russell | Leave a comment

5th Century BC: Hermes Kriophoros

Posted on October 20, 2017 by corvusfugit

Hermes Kriophoros – Roman copy of 5th century BC Greek original “Kriophoros” is Greek for “ram-bearer.” The epithet became associated with the god Hermes in connection with a story from the city of Tanagra, here retold by the traveler and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 5th Century BC, Animals, Art, Greece, Mammals, Mythology, Rome, Sculpture, Sheep | 1 Comment

17th Century: Manual

Posted on October 6, 2017 by corvusfugit

Tantric Hindu Ritual Manual: Nepal, 17th Century (source)

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 17th Century, Books, Hinduism, Mythology, Nepal, Religion | Leave a comment

1914: Kotsuis and Hohhuq

Posted on October 1, 2017 by corvusfugit

Edward S. Curtis: Kotsuis and Hohhuq (Nakoaktok) (1914); “These two masked performers in the winter dance represent huge, mythical birds. The mandibles of these tremendous wooden masks are controlled by strings.” The ‘Nak’waxda’xw (or Nakoaktok) are a nation of Kwak’wala-speaking … Continue reading →