Reflections on the impact of mythology in the fields of art and architecture as motivated by the study of a specific work of art– Setting and purpose of this work of art, the connection between this work of art and mythology, the myth generating its creation, personal impact of this work of art and following thoughts on mythology’s impact on artistic creation
[The author’s name]
Abstract
This paper will present you with the personal reflections caused by the discussions in class as far as the impact of mythologies and specific myths on art and architecture are concerned. In an effort to prove the validity of the belief that cultural and artistic creations have more than once driven their inspiration from a mythological background, the development and structure of this paper is motivated by the choice of a specific work of art. Mythology as the gathering and study of myths no matter their national or geographical identity has always appealed to people. ‘Myths’ etymologically derive from the Greek word ‘mythos’, meaning any kind of information expressed within the borders of the first human societies, aiming at providing people with advice or guidelines concerning their everyday survival. During the evolution of humans’ language as a code of communication, myths took over another role, the one they still possess nowadays. They acquired their own power, turning into the stories of older generations and surviving as a useful knowledgeable background through oral and written speech. Each nation developed its own myths in their effort to approach life’s mystery, in such a way that fears and agonies, involved in the whole procedure of their survival, could be rationalized and dealt with successfully. Physical phenomena, like floods or earthquakes, and eternal questions on human existence such as the nature of death, love, soul - to mention but a few - were explained through myths. This essay aims at presenting you with one significant impact of myths on humanity’s evolution, their influence on artistic movements and creation. The specific work of art chosen as the basis of this paper’s statement is the sculpture of George Washington brought to light in 1841 by Horatio Greenough. The paper emphasizes on the work’s details and its connectivity to the myth generating its creation in the artist’s mind.
Key words: myths, Zeus Olympios, Ancient Greece, Phidias, George Washington
Reflections on the impact of mythology in the fields of art and architecture as motivated by the study of a specific work of art– Setting and purpose of this work of art, the connection between this work of art and mythology, the myth generating its creation, personal impact of this work of art and following thoughts on mythology’s impact on artistic creation
‘George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was the first President of the United States, the commander –in –chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He presided over the convention that drafted the Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation and established the position of President. Washington was elected President as the unanimous choice of the electors in 1788, and he served two terms in office.’ (Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment, p.148). Citing the words of Rupert Cornwell, George Washington’s ‘leadership style established many forms and rituals of government that have been used since’. He is known as ‘the father of his country’ since he was the one who presiding over the Constitutional convention, took over the leading role in the first draft of the United Nations Constitution in 1787 and was elected unanimously as the first president of the United States in 1789.
The personality of George Washington due to his historical significance and contribution to the establishment of political innovations as well as to his effect on the country’s evolution, has resulted in acquiring worldwide respect and acknowledgement of his historical role, becoming one of those historical figures rising discussion and inspiring artistic creations as a way of memorizing his invaluable hard work in the name of common wealth. George Washington has become one of those memories which function as a lighthouse in a nation’s historical route. Therefore the number of artistic creations which have been inspired by the need to show respect and admiration to his memory, comes as no surprise.
The specific work of art which has been chosen to be presented in this paper is the massive sculpture of George Washington by Horatio Greenough brought to light and installed in the capitol in 1841. The reason for its creation was the need to find a way to celebrate the one hundred years, one century, since the time of his birth. Horatio Greenough created the sculpture of Washington inspired by his wish to resemble one of the seven wonders witnessed in ancient Greek mythology. It was the sculpture of Zeus Olympios, the king of the 12 Ancient Greek Gods living in mount Olympus that Greenough had in mind.
The myth generating its creation
Greek mythology witnesses the creation of the golden ivory (chryselephantine is the exact translation of the Greek word referring to its material of construction) statue of Zeus by the famous ancient Greek sculptor Phidias. The ancient Greek statue was made approximately in 430 B.C. and put in the temple of Zeus in the stadium of Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games took place every four years. The statue is witnessed to be one of the seven wonders of the Ancient world which was unfortunately burnt according to different versions of its legacies either in 393 A.C. or in 416 A.C. The fact remains though that the only image saved of this statue is its mythological burden and significance.
Connection between this work of art and its mythological source
Greenough’s Washington is an enormous sculpture showing the first president of the United States seating on a kind of throne, with his chest undressed, wearing an Ancient Romean toga. The sculpture reminds of the image of Zeus Olympios by Phidias. It is admirable how an artist, so many centuries after the classical years of Ancient Greece, got influenced by what he thought Phidias, an artist serving the same art, aimed at. Phidias wanted to emphasize on the powerful symbolism Zeus held for Ancient Greeks. Zeus was the King of their 12 Gods who according to their mythology and legacies were the ones giving explanation to eternal questions of their existence, helped them in their lives, punished them in cases of disobedience or excessive boasting and disregard towards their divine power. Zeus was the God responsible for maintaining balance in the world, taming natural powers and holding his scepter as a symbol of his dominance above Gods and humans. Zeus was the most powerful figure in the Ancient world, the only one able to punish or praise other Gods and Goddesses for their actions, the only one whose last word was the one followed in trust and belief as the ultimate piece of advice and law above all natural and human laws. He was the one giving birth to the others and deciding upon their destiny. Like Zeus, George Washington is parallelized on behalf of Horatio Greenough as the ultimate figure of the historical personalities of the United States. He is the one who brought balance to the United Nations and helped them be united. He is the first president who worked hard inspiring his followers like a divine figure, making them realize the importance of hard work and obeying to rules, the importance of freedom with restrictions. The statue of Greenough says ‘First in war, first in peace, First in the hearts of his countrymen’. Unfortunately the statue was not received with appraisal on behalf of the Americans but the artist himself wrote in reply to the criticism ‘We raise this monument because Washington’s face and form are identified with the salvation of our continent. That sword, to which objections are made, cleared the ground where our political fabric was raised’. (Letters of Horatio Greenough, p.176).
Personal impact and reflections
This paper has become the cause to reflect on the significance of the world’s legacies to the creation of a common cultural treasure which serves as a bank of investment, loans and constant exchanges. People all over the world share a common cultural wealth created by the compilation of different myths and legacies and shedding light on future generations trying to find ways to express their thoughts, their needs, their dreams, their wishes. Art is not repeating itself but on the contrary it is reinforcing its powerful contribution to humanity’s revival through letting itself lay in the cultural cradle of the mosaic of myths, legends and civilizations.
References
Cornwell, Rupert (January 17, 2009), George Washington: The father of the nation. The Independent
Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment, Ellen Judy Wilson, Peter Hanns Reill, 2004, p.148
Letters of Horatio Greenough, American Sculptor, ed. Nathalia Wright (Madison, The University of Wisconsin Press, 1972, p.176
