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Athena Changing Arachne into a Spider, published 1606. Creators: Antonio Tempesta, Wilhelm Janson
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Athena Changing Arachne into a Spider, published 1606. Creators: Antonio Tempesta, Wilhelm Janson
Athena Changing Arachne into a Spider, published 1606. From The Metamorphoses of Ovid, pl. 54
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Media ID 36348231
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Antonio Tempesta Athena Athene Changing Cobweb Cobwebs Insect Insects Janson Wilhelm Metamorphoses Mythical Mythical Figure Mythological Mythological Figure Ovid Pallas Athena Pallas Athene Publius Ovidius Naso Spider Spider Web Spiders Web Tempesta Antonio Transforming Wilhelm Janson Ancient Greek Ancient Roman Arachne Greek Mythology Roman Mythology
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print, titled "Athena Changing Arachne into a Spider," is a masterpiece of 17th-century art, created by the renowned Italian artist Antonio Tempesta and published by Wilhelm Janson in 1606. The image is derived from Book VI of Ovid's "Metamorphoses," an ancient Roman epic poem that chronicles the transformations of various mythological figures. In this print, Tempesta depicts the moment when the goddess Athena, also known as Pallas Athene, punishes Arachne for her hubris. Arachne, a skilled weaver, had boasted that her craft was superior to Athena's. Infuriated, Athena challenged Arachne to a weaving contest. Arachne's work was so impressive that it momentarily stunned Athena. However, when Arachne added an image of Athena being seduced by Mars in her tapestry, Athena's anger was unleashed. She transformed Arachne into a spider, condemning her to weave cobwebs for eternity. Tempesta's etching captures the dramatic moment of transformation, with Athena reaching out to touch Arachne's head as she transforms into a spider. The intricate details of the figures, the delicate cobwebs, and the bold lettering add to the overall beauty and significance of the print. This work is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece and Rome, and its continued influence on European art during the Baroque era. Today, it is preserved and exhibited at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, reminding us of the enduring power of mythology and the artistic mastery of the past.
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