The Classics
Antiquity has always proved to be the gift that keeps on giving. From artistic revivals of classical movements to the tourists that still flock to stand in the shadow of the Parthenon, our fascination with ancient Greeks and Romans never runs dry. We have many of our own wonderful classical reimaginings here in the studio, from abstract interpretations of Roman emperors of to beautiful 18th century engravings. Here are a few of our favourites for you to enjoy!
After turning himself into a white bull to seduce her, this scene shows Europa jumping onto his back to ride off into the sunset. A stark reminder that we shouldn’t look to the Greek Gods for dating advice.
This watercolour is a wonderful 19th century pastiche of Italian painter Salvator Rosa’s Belisarius. This exquisite piece shows the Byzantine military commander looking worse for wear after battle, with Roman soldiers quickly closing in on him. A scene that is truly full of drama.
After Salvator Rosa (1615-1673) - Late 19th Century Watercolour - Belisarius
A very modern twist on a classical subject. This fun abstract shows Roman emperor Tiberius leaving for Rome in bright bursts of yellow and blue.
This beautiful water nymph is a great example of the softer side of antiquity. Her gentle walk as she wades through the stream shows that these ancient tales are not only for battle scenes and heroic acts.
We can’t quite tell if this woman is admiring her clothes or is completely unimpressed by them. We’ll let you decide.
M.R - Monogrammed Mid 20th Century MonotypeThe Classical Lady
Even if we didn’t know that this was Lucilla, daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, this impressive bust certainly lets the viewer know we are gazing upon someone with great power.
This delightful study is a copy of the original by After Baldassare Peruzzi which is currently held in the Pitti Palace, Florence, Italy. The Greek God Apollo dances merrily with the nine muses who loop in a flurry of brightly coloured robes.
After Baldassare Peruzzi (1481-1536) - Watercolour - Apollo and the Nine Muses
The depth and detail that the artist achieves in this charcoal drawing of a classical lady is astounding. Her delicate features and beautiful Greek clothing makes for a captivating portrait.
Emily Ashman - Fine 1831 Charcoal Emily Ashman - Fine 1831 Charcoal Drawing Classical Lady
This selection of fine engravings depicts each individual horse of St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy. While the original bronze horses are placed in a museum for conservation purposes, you can still find the replicas on the loggia above the porch of the Basilica. 18th century art historian Antonio Maria Zanetti captures each horse from a different angle placing an inscription with its details underneath.
What an action shot!
Campiglia after Gregori - circa 1760 Engraving - Hercules and a Centaur
This charming contemporary drawing depicts Raphael’s Warrior on Horseback in charcoal. This dramatic scene holds so much action. The figure’s flailing hands and the rearing horse makes for a momentus compsoiton.
After Raphael - Framed Contemporary Charcoal DrawingA Warrior Fighting
Set at the crucial point of Atlanta’s race where Hippomenes drops Aphrodite’s golden apples causing Atlanta to stop to pick them up and lose the race. We love the drama in this hand coloured engraving!
T. Joubert after Sir Edward Poynter - 1881 Engraving - Atalanta's Race
This wonderfully stoic Amazon woman stands tall in her luxurious fabrics. Her raised arm suggests that the stature once included a spear. Truly a woman not to be messed with.
Gerard Van Der Gucht (1696-1776) - 18th Century EngravingAmazon Statue
The fluted Corinthian columns, delicate murals and elegant coffered ceiling exudes elegance and take inspiration for ancient architecture.
Most are familiar with the fateful story of Oedipus King of Thebes. This striking reimagining of the mythical Greek King reminds us of the captivating nature of Greeks tragedy and its unfortunate protagonists.
The rich colours of this silk work make it one of our favourites. We love how the small details such as the figure harvesting corn in the distance and the textured leaves on the trees. There’s so much to unpack in this scene.
