You have no items in your shopping cart.
Close
Search
Filters
Arthur Frothingham, one of the founding fathers of Art History, here discusses the problem of the Gorgon in ancient Greek art by arguing that Medusa represents a lost prehistoric goddess.
Publisher: Gorgias Press LLC
Availability: In stock
SKU (ISBN): 978-1-60724-525-4
  • *
Publication Status: In Print
Series: Analecta Gorgiana 296
Publication Date: Aug 4,2009
Interior Color: Black
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Page Count: 29
Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-60724-525-4
$36.00

Arthur Frothingham, one of the founding fathers of Art History, here discusses the problem of the Gorgon in ancient Greek art. The snake-haired gorgon Medusa has traditionally been explained by her role in classical Greek myth – as an apotropaic monster and object of conquest for gods and heroes. Frothingham here suggests that Medusa was, instead, a prehistoric earth goddess whose origins are buried in literature, yet survive in the ubiquitous use of Medusa in art and explain her prevalence in art when compared to other mythological monsters. To make his point he draws on his vast knowledge of other near-eastern art. This piece is of interest to students of ancient religion and art as well as those who wish to understand the origins of Art History as a discipline.

Arthur Frothingham, one of the founding fathers of Art History, here discusses the problem of the Gorgon in ancient Greek art. The snake-haired gorgon Medusa has traditionally been explained by her role in classical Greek myth – as an apotropaic monster and object of conquest for gods and heroes. Frothingham here suggests that Medusa was, instead, a prehistoric earth goddess whose origins are buried in literature, yet survive in the ubiquitous use of Medusa in art and explain her prevalence in art when compared to other mythological monsters. To make his point he draws on his vast knowledge of other near-eastern art. This piece is of interest to students of ancient religion and art as well as those who wish to understand the origins of Art History as a discipline.

Write your own review
  • Only registered users can write reviews
*
*
Bad
Excellent
*
*
*
*
Contributor

Arthur L. Frothingham

  • MEDUSA, APOLLO, AND THE GREAT MOTHER (page 5)
Customers who bought this item also bought

A New Fragment of the Babylonian Etana Legend

Series: Analecta Gorgiana 119
ISBN: 978-1-60724-054-9
This fragment of the Babylonian Etana legend was first published in this brief paper by Morris Jastrow. The fragment is presented here in transliteration and translation along with the able textual commentary of an acknowledged leader among philologists. Following the presentation of the text, Jastrow also offers an interpretation of the text, suggesting where within the Etana legend the fragment fits. Line drawings and photographs of this singular fragment accompany the text of the article. Also included in this volume is a brief piece by Friedrich Delitzsch on Neo-Babylonian contract tablets.
$38.00

Mesopotamian Myths and Epics

Religion of Babylonia and Assyria
Series: Analecta Gorgiana 144
ISBN: 978-1-60724-110-2
Originally the fifth in a series of five lectures delivered at Harvard University, this extract is an early attempt to tackle a formidable subject: the religion of ancient Iraq, or Mesopotamia. In this last essay of the set, Rogers focus on the mythic tradition of Mesopotamia, discussing the myths of Adapa, Ishtar’s descent to the netherworld, and the Gilgamesh epic, especially concentrating on the deluge account. Engaging and informative, Rogers’ narrative is accessible to the specialist and general reader alike.
$43.00

Babylonian Origin of Hermes the Snake-God, and of the Caduceus

Series: Analecta Gorgiana 209
ISBN: 978-1-60724-438-7
Arthur Frothingham, one of the founding fathers of Art History, here discusses the origins of Hermes, and suggests that the prototype of Hermes was an Eastern deity of Babylonian extraction.
$38.00

The Deities of the Sacred Axe

Series: Analecta Gorgiana 224
ISBN: 978-1-60724-453-0
In this paper Margaret Waits offers an explanation for the pervasive and enigmatic symbol of the double-axe in Mycenaean culture with special reference to the religions of Greece and Asia Minor
$37.00