The food of the Gods
Travel to Mount Olympus
Find a Cup Bearer
Ambrosia and nectar were believed to be “the food of the gods” in ancient Greece, and Ambrosia is often characterized as a fluid. The Neoclassical sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen shows Ganymede – the gods’ cupbearer – serving Ambrosia in a two-handled drinking vessel or kylix to Zeus, the Father of the Gods. Zeus is portrayed as an eagle, which is the guise Zeus took on when he carried Ganymede away from earth and to Mount Olympos, where he made the beautiful young man an immortal servant to the gods.
(Credit: Minneapolis Institute of Arts)
"The effect of Thorvaldsen’s sculpture is created mostly by the contrast between the smooth skin of the boy and his trusting nature, which is juxtaposed by the detailed rendering of the eagle’s feathers, its harsh look and its sharp beak." (Credit: Thorvaldsen Museum)
"The effect of Thorvaldsen’s sculpture is created mostly by the contrast between the smooth skin of the boy and his trusting nature, which is juxtaposed by the detailed rendering of the eagle’s feathers, its harsh look and its sharp beak." (Credit: Thorvaldsen Museum)
Beautiful sculpture Kate, the white marble of the 'cup bearer' is exquisitely smooth..
ReplyDeleteInteresting contrasts between the eagle and boy. Both appear to be trusting.
ReplyDeleteThis is impressive and quite beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteThose feathers must have been diffacult, and they are perfect.
ReplyDeletepretty neat!
ReplyDeleteA really beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteThis is a superb sculpture. Stunning.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely sculpture...it's funny...I've never really thought about ambrosia...now I'm curious!!! I wonder what it really was???
ReplyDeleteAn extraordinary sculpture, Kate!
ReplyDeleteI was immediately struck by the contrasts. Very effective. Lovely sculpture!
ReplyDeleteA lovely sculpture and all in marble.
ReplyDelete