Hugues Merle (French, 1822 - 1881)Hebe after the fall, c. 1880-Hebe, in ancient Greek religion and m

Hugues Merle (French, 1822 - 1881)
Hebe after the fall, c. 1880
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Hebe, in ancient Greek religion and mythology, is the goddess of youth or the prime of life (Roman equivalent: Juventas).

She is the beautiful daughter of Zeus and his wife, Hera. Hebe worked as a cupbearer for the gods of Olympus, serving them nectar and ambrosia. This piece depicts the sorrow of Hebe aster Apollo stripped the goddess of her role because she tripped and her dress came undone, thus exposing her body in front of the Olympians (hence the title of the painting).