Question 3

How significant is Greek mythology in more modern art?

In Greek mythology, a reccurring theme was frivolity, fun and mischief. The Gods worried about nothing except enjoying themselves, and playing tricks on the humans they ruled. They liked parties and wine and good food, and they got what they thought was the best out of life while ignoring the consequence. This idea has great similarities to the Rococo period of art history. The Rococo period went from 1725 - 1775, and was a reaction to the Baroque period in which all the art work was symmetrical and ordered. The main theme was frivolity, as was the way of living around that time in history. The painters used bright colours to accent the busy and fun atmosphere of the paintings, and to bring out the happy, bubbly characters portrayed in them.

A well known painter who followed along the lines of the Rococo period was Edgar Degas, and most of his paintings are about dancing, singing or playing music. Good examples of his festive works are 'The Rehearsal' and 'The Orchestra'. Depicted in 'The Rehearsal' is a group of ballet dancers stretching and rehearsing a dance. There is a sense of light and calm in this painting, and the girls are relaxed and content, in learning a new art and getting happiness out of it. 'The Orchestra' features musicians playing music for a ballet performance, and again the players look calm, content and concentrated on their work. Both these paintings suggest a similarity to the ancient Greek paintings and sculptures, especially of the Gods and their carefree way of life.

Degas also painted of hard work or scenes of normal things, both of which show contentment with life. This can be seen in his two paintings, 'Cotton Market, New Orleans' and 'Girls combing their hair'. 'The Cotton Market, New Orleans' reflects a feeling of hard work and earning rewards, which has a strong connection to the less powerful characters of Greek mythology, that had to earn their happiness from hard work. Hercules, for example, had to complete the 12 labours set to him by Eurystheus. In 'Girls combing their hair' there is an almost nymph-like quality to the girls. Particularly one myth, which quotes "They live near streams and spend their days singing beautiful songs while combing their luxurious hair."

Degas once said "No art is less spontaneous than mine. What I do is a result of reflection and the study of the great masters." He could well have been referring to the ancient Greeks, and his study of their paintings. Or his masters could be his teachers, who studied Greek mythology themselves. The main themes of the ancient Greek mythology and art are carefree frivolity, and less fortunate people working hard to gain rewards. These themes have cropped up throughout art history, and are even represented in modern art of the past twenty years. This shows that Greek mythology has an important and significant place in modern art.