Introduction
Human beings are peculiar and unique creatures as they have the mental ability of making concrete decision, communicating, engaging in a logical argument and interacting with others in the society. The fact that humans can communicate, associate and interact with others and understand their immediate environment effectively, engineered the use of artistic works such as music, drawings, painting and sculpture as a means of enhancing communication, integration and reconnect with reality(Roman & Roman, 2010). The trend has existed over the years and has evolved throughout the history thus forming part of human existence and survival. In additions, the use of artistic works in the contemporary times has played a crucial in developing the art discipline, which forms an integral component in the society. Art as a discipline acts as mirror of the society as it provides a platform for nurturing talents, creativity, and innovations; aimed at improving the standards of living. Similarly, art provides a favorable platform where people employ life experiences and historical aspects in interacting and understanding their environment deeply. Based on this assertion, it is evident that artistic work plays a pivotal role in life as it signals and depicts our culture, lifestyle, challenges, and the wider context.
Painting: “Venus wounded by Diomedes.”
Painting as an art remains one of artistic works commonly used by people from different lifestyles as a means of expressing emotions, feelings, creativity, and imagination. Most of the paintings are informative and relevant as they depict fascinating historical events, biography of prominent personalities, environmental features and peoples’ way of life. “Venus wounded by Diomedes” is a painting portrait in Greek mythology that narrates about Trojan War, which marks an important event in Greek history. Many Greek scholars have addressed the Trojan War mythology, but using different approaches. However, episodes revolving around this war are articulated in the works of Homer and odyssey. Ancient Greeks presumed that the war took place 12th BC, but whether this assumption holds, true or not remains a question of discussion.
Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres created the painting,” Venus wounded by Diomede,” in 1800 and, it is grouped under mythological paintings. Jean Auguste Dominique was an adversely talented French painter who used the neoclassical style in most of his paintings; an idea that enhanced his artistic prowess. The painting explains the influence of various goddesses that took part in Trojan War, especially the involvement of Venus: the goddess of love (Borders, 2007). The Greek mythology articulates that Diomedes was wounded by pandarus, but he prayed to goddess Athena for revenge. Athena granted Diomedes supernatural powers to attack other Trojans, but warned him not to attack other goddesses apart from Venus. As the war progressed, Diomede attacked Aeneas; an idea that compelled goddess Venus descend from Olympus and intervenes for her son (Aeneas), but Diomedes managed hurting Venus around her waist (Borders, 2007). However, Iris (a goddess that represents the rainbow that connects the universe and the earth) and Mars (a goddess that symbolizes transport) rescue Venus and transports her back to the Olympus. In the painting, Diomede (holding a spear) is seen insulting and hurting goddess Venus, but he is obscured by developing clouds. Similarly, the painting portrays Mars and Iris descending from Olympus to assist goddess Venus and her son (presence of horse animations manifests the means of transportation).
In his paintings, Jean Auguste Dominique employed different styles and techniques, which emphases the use of contour purity and engraving thus making his paintings clearer (Roman & Roman, 2010). Based on this fact, it is important for artists especially painters to apply and master these techniques. Jean Auguste Dominique read biographies of other artists and reread literature work of Homer and Plutarch; an idea shaped his painting styles. Internalizing artistic work of other artists helped him understand and master other drawing, coloring and painting techniques thus improving his painting skills. In the painting, Jean Auguste Dominique use animation technique as a way of expressing distortion of space and form thus making him a neoclassical painter. Based on these assertions, it is evident that, “Venus wounded by Diomede,” remains a relevant, informative, and educative piece of art in the modern society. Painters can learn numerous lessons, painting styles and techniques from the painting.
References
Borders, P. (2007). Jacques-Louis David: Empire to Exile. New York: Yale University Press.
Roman, L., & Roman, M. (2010). Encyclopedia of Greek and Roman Mythology. New York: Infobase Publishing,
