The Nude in mythological paintings - the artists' masterpieces

Mythological genre (from Greek "mythos" - legend) - a genre of the fine art, devoted to events and heroes, about whom tell myths of the ancients. Myths, legends, stories have all nations of the world, and they are the major source of art work. The mythological genre arised in late ancient and medieval art when greco-roman myths and beliefs were no longer beliefs and became literary stories with moral and allegorical meaning. The mythological genre formed in the Renaissance, when ancient legends gave the richest subjects for paintings by Sandro Botticelli, Andrea Mantegna, Giorgione, and Raphael's frescoes. In the 17th century and early in the 19th century understanding about paintings of mythological genre significantly broaden. They designed for incarnation the high artistic ideals (Nicolas Poussin, Peter Paul Rubens), bring to life (Diego Velazquez, Pompeo Batoni, Rembrandt), and create a festive sight (Fransois Boucher, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo).

In 19th century, mythological genre served as standard of high, perfect art (sculpture by Ivan Martos, paintings by Jacques-Louis David, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Alexander Ivanov). Along with subjects of classical mythology, Germanic, Celtic, Indian, Slavic myths became popular themes in the art in the 19th and 20th centuries.

At the beginning of the 20th century symbolism and art nouveau revived interest in the mythological genre (Gustave Moreau, Maurice Denis, Viktor Vasnetsov, Mikhail Vrubel). He got a modern reinterpretation in sculpture and graphic such artists as Aristide Maillol, Antoine Bourdelle, Sergey Konenkov, Pablo Picasso.

Characteristic features of nude nature in mythological paintings

Characteristic features of nude nature in mythological paintings can include:

• 1. Idealized human form: In mythological paintings, the depiction of nude figures often embodies the idealized human form. The bodies of both male and female figures are portrayed with harmonious proportions, graceful poses, and ideal beauty. This idealization reflects the concept of physical perfection and the divine nature of the depicted characters.
• 2. Symbolism and allegory: Nudity in mythological paintings can carry symbolic meanings and serve as allegorical representations. The nudity of the figures may symbolize purity, vulnerability, innocence, or the primal state of humanity. It can also represent the connection between humans and the divine or the transcendent.
• 3. Classical references: Mythological paintings often draw inspiration from classical Greek and Roman art, where nude figures were commonly depicted. Artists may adopt the classical style of representing the human body, paying homage to the ancient traditions and ideals of beauty.
• 4. Narrative storytelling: Nudity in mythological paintings is often used in the context of storytelling. It can portray mythological gods, goddesses, or mythological figures engaged in various narratives, such as heroic deeds, love stories, or divine interventions. The nudity serves to enhance the emotional and dramatic impact of the scene.
• 5. Sensuality and eroticism: In some mythological paintings, nudity can carry sensual or erotic undertones. Artists may depict figures in seductive or alluring poses, emphasizing their physical beauty and sensuality. This aspect often relates to depictions of love, desire, or mythical tales involving romantic relationships.
• 6. Connection with nature: Nude figures in mythological paintings are sometimes depicted in natural landscapes, symbolizing the connection between humanity and the natural world. The figures may be shown amidst lush vegetation, bodies of water, or other elements of nature, highlighting their harmonious relationship with the environment.

It's important to note that the portrayal of nudity in art can vary across different time periods, cultural contexts, and individual artists' interpretations. These characteristic features provide a general overview of how nudity was depicted in mythological paintings and the symbolic and narrative roles it played within those works.