Pallas Athena
Athena, also known as Pallas Athene, is an ancient Greek goddess who is associated with wisdom, warfare, and handcraft.She adapted the name after she accidentally killed her beloved friend Pallas by throwing a discus against her head.Regardless of that incident, she is widely regarded as one of the most important deities in Greek mythology. Over time, Athena was adapted into the Roman pantheon and became known as Minerva.In ancient Greece, Athena was viewed as the patron and protectress of various cities, with her influence being particularly strong in Athens, from which she most likely received her name. The Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens is a temple dedicated to her.
Athena is often depicted wielding the Aegis shield, which features the head of the gorgon Medusa, and is also accompanied by an owl, which is seen as a symbol of wisdom. According to legend, Athena adopted the name 'Pallas' after accidentally killing her beloved friend Pallas by throwing a discus that struck her head. Pallas was the daughter of Triton, a son of Poseidon, and out of respect for her friend, Athena adapted the name Pallas Athena.
The story of Athena is a rich and fascinating one, and her influence is still felt in modern times. From her role as the protector of cities to her association with wisdom and handcraft, Athena is a powerful and enduring symbol of Greek mythology. The Minerva Art Academy in Groningen, The Netherlands is a perfect example.
About 409 years later the old artwork is enlarged, enhanced and colorized into an amazing life-size work of color and history.
Name | Pallas Athena |
Artist | SRP |
Type | Graphic Design |
Style | Colorization |
Sizes | 7/7 Available |
Year | 2021 |
Edition | 1st |
Signature | On the Backside |
Extra | 1612 print |
Artistical Background
This version of Pallas Athena is a modernized etch of Hendrick Goltzius' 1611 projection of the powerful goddess. Originally created between 1595 and 1612 by Goltzius and printed by Willem Isaacz van Swanenburg, the after-design was done by Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt. In 2021, Stephan Raymond Post redesigned, upscaled, and colorized the artwork to create a new representation of Athena. This print is only available in limited edition.
How it was made
The colors used in the artwork are associated with Athena and include the gold of her helmet, blue of her finery, red of her cloth, and the silver-goldness of the mighty Aegis shield featuring the head of Medusa. One look into the eyes of Medusa and you will be turned to stone. Make this one of the most dangerous shields ever. As a powerful deity, Athena is often depicted with her spear and golden helmet, exuding strength and wisdom. In the artwork, her skin tone is based on a darker part of the planet Venus, matching her dark hair. This, along with the choice of colors, helps to convey Athena's strength and wisdom that exudes from her posture. She even bested Ares, the god of War, in a fight. Her strategies are almost virtuous.
Originally, the image was a reference to the 'Apple of Paris' situation, where Athena observed Aphrodite being chosen as the most beautiful according to Paris. It is unclear whether she was truly jealous, but it is imaginable she was at least a little disgruntled. However, the artwork has been redesigned to focus entirely on Athena. Dark clouds have been added to the upper left part of the artwork, creating a sense of ominous approaching war. The goal of the redesign was to show Athena as a wise and calm goddess, carefully planning her next move to ensure her victory. It also is a huge testament to the amazing craftsmanship of Hendrick Goltzius from the 16th and 17th century. The most copied etcher. And we do love tradition. His works are simply the best and deserve to be in full color with our new technologies.
The original etch made by the Dutch draftsman and painter Hendrick Goltzius in 1612 was almost characteristically small in size. The original work is 24.6 x 14.2cm and without color.
