#erotes
Erotes Linoprint in gold ink
After Ares, I thought it only appropriate to go in the opposite direction and design Aphrodite; goddess of love, pleasure, and fertility. We’ve all seen her depictions coming out of the sea spray on a scallop shell, born from the ocean (and from ouranus’ severed male penis which was cast down into the sea by cronus.)
But I chose to put her lounging at the base of a serene waterfall. It still references her water roots, but it isn’t depicting her birth, per se. She reclines on a swan (early depictions in ancient Greek art show her riding a swan, a symbol of grace and divinity) and underneath is the scallop shell. Aphrodite holds her sacred golden apple in her hand. (the one she won by Paris choosing her in the beauty contest between her, Athena, and Hera.) Upon her head is a golden crown, but more importantly, is her real sacred object; her golden chastity belt, which was said to invoke lust in gods and mortals alike.
Aphrodite’s entourage: Resting upon her arm, is EROS, the winged godling and her companion, (later becoming cupid in roman culture) who whispers sweet sensualities, while a couple EROTES (more winged godlings associated with sex and love) flitter above tossing flower petals. Frolicking at the lower left are three goddesses, the CHARITES (or Graces) who symbolize beauty, dancing and banquets. Swimming atop a dolphin is a NEREID, a reference to Aphrodite’s oceanic roots. and finally, Above right, near the waterfall, are three more goddesses, the HORAI, who represent the seasonal shifts and constellations.
This one was a challenge but super fun to do! Now… on to the next one! :D if you lo like the work I’m posting, please share it if possible, as it helps me get exposure.
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“Each maiden representing a goddess was accompanied by her own escort … Aphrodite was surrounded by a throng of the happiest children; you would have sworn that those little boys whose skins were smooth and milk-white were genuine Erotes who had just flown in from sky or sea. They looked just he part with their tiny wings, miniature arrows, and the rest of their get-up, as with gleaming torches they lit the way for their mistress as though she were en route to a wedding-banquet. Next floated in charming children, unmarried girls, representing on one side the Kharites at their most graceful, and on the other the Horai in all their beauty. Behind the Kythereia , are Pothos (Desire), to whom nothing is denied, and the soft-lidded Peitho (Persuasion); and Harmonia (Harmony),who been moderately gracious to us all… They were appeasing the goddess by strewing wreaths and single blossoms before her, and they formed a most elegant chorus-line as they sought to please the Mistress of pleasures with the foliage of spring.“
Apuleius, The Golden Ass 10. 30 ff
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