The Revival of the Olympian Gods in Renaissance Art

In this study, Luba Freedman examines the revival of the twelve Olympian deities in the visual arts of sixteenth-century Italy. Renaissance representation of the Olympians as autonomous figures in paintings, sculpture and drawing were not easily integrated into a Christian society. While many patrons and artists venerated the ancient art works for their artistic qualities, others, nourished by religious beliefs, felt compelled to adapt ancient representations to Christian subjects. These conflicting attitudes influenced the representation of deities intentionally made all’antica, often resulting in an interweaving of classical and non-classical elements that is alien to the original, ancient sources. This study, the first devoted to this problem, highlights the problematic framework of the display and reception of ancient art during the Cinquecento. It offers new insights into the uneven absorption of the classical heritage during the early modern era.

• Discussion of central works of Renaissance art, individually representing the twelve supreme gods and goddesses of ancient Greece and Rome • Analysis of learning in the Cinquecento about the representation of the Olympians in classical art • Study of conflicting attitudes towards the works of art representing non-religious subjects of autonomous figures

Part I: Outlining a Cinquecento Phenomenon: 1. Terms and concepts; 2. Components of the Phenomenon; Part II: Discoveries and Their Impact: 3. Olympian deities in ancient sculpture; 4. Ancient testimonies; 5. Literary descriptions; 6. The question of revival; Part III. Cinquecento Works of Art: 7. \'Classical\' elements; 8. Non-classical elements; 9. The conflict in cinquecento schools of thought.

\'The text is densely argued and full of deep learning.\' The Journal of Classics Teaching