Thematic Exhibition

Each of the three artworks created in different time periods show appreciation for the strength of the divine in the styles of the time periods they originate from. The first image from the classical period of greek art depicts the greek god, Zeus, in a strong and powerful stance exemplifying the respect and worship the greek had for the gods. The second image is from the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris during the Gothic era of art. The art displays the figure of the three kings, mary and Jesus is in the form of stained glass. Even though Jesus is still a child in this scene, the figure remains in a dominant stance as the three kings bow before him. Lastly, the the Creation of Adam by Michelangelo from the Sistine Chapel was created during the era of Renaissance art. The art brings the story of Adam and Eve to life and portrays God as a muscular and dominant figure. 

Zeus of Artemision. Classical Period of Greek Sculpture. (480-300 BCE) Unknown Artist. 

The figure of Zeus in the sculpture titled  Zeus of Artemision from the classical era of Greek Sculpture is a manifestation of beauty and strength showing the respect and devotion the Greek had for the gods. The vantage point of the sculpture highlights Zeus’s large muscular torso and athletic legs. These proportions are created perfectly to show the superhuman nature the greek associated with the gods. Additionally, the figure’s elongated and defensive stance  portrays him as a protector and guardian. Furthermore, the superhuman proportions and muscular stance of Zeus in Zeus of Artemision shows the Greek’s conceptions of the gods aa immortal and immensely powerful. 

Three Kings Mary Jesus Christ Stained Glass Notre Dame Cathedral Paris France. Notre Dame built between 1163 and 1250. 

This piece of art from the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France was created during the era of Gothic architecture and is in the form of stained glass. The five figures in the art, the Three Kings, Mary, and Jesus Christ, are shown in illuminating primary colors. The medium of stained glass combined with the reflection of the sun creates a ravishing illumination inside the building emphasizing god’s creation of the sun in a place of worship. Additionally, even though Jesus is smaller and perhaps just born, the artist shows the three kings bowing before the small yet powerful figure. Moreover, artists from the gothic era showed their appreciation for god through highlighting the beauty of his creations and displaying the devout worship many has for him. 

Creation of Adam: Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Palaces in Rome, 1512

This piece of art is from the walls of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Michelangelo was called upon to repaint the ceiling in his personal renaissance style. As a part of his personal style, Michelangelo focused on the body of his subjects. Specifically, in the Creation of Adam Michelangelo is the first to portray god in a human form. The painting includes the legs, the arms, and the detailing of the human body on that of gods to present god in a truly human form. However, Michelangelo adds intense muscular detail to god’s figure to maintain the strength and superhuman nature of God. Furthermore, Michelangelo uses ideal human attributes to both humanize and idealize the beauty and power of God and the divine.