Olympians
The Exposition
400 years later
About it
The Olympian Exposition is a Graphic Design series that features the 12 (+2) Olympian Gods from the Greek Mythology. These powerful deities have captured the imaginations of people for centuries, and are known for their epic stories and divine powers. During the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, numerous artists created etches and engravings of these Olympian Gods, each with their own unique style and level of detail. These works of art have since become treasured pieces of history, and are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Fortunately, the Digital Library of the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands, known as the Rijksstudio, has made thousands of these old artworks available to the public. This vast collection of art comes from numerous collections around the world, and allows people to explore and study the pieces in detail, without the need for physical access to the originals. This incredible project has allowed the general public to access almost endless amounts of old artworks, some of which have had their copyright faded away. This means that people are now able to work with these old artworks and create something new and unique. And in this case trying to preserve the cultural and historical significance of the originals.
The Olympian Exposition is a tribute to the epicness of the Greek Gods, and is a testament to the power and beauty of the human imagination. Through this Graphic Design series, people are able to experience the awe-inspiring presence of these Olympian deities, and to be inspired by their stories and mythologies.
Available artworks in the Olympian Serie
1. Aphrodite (Venus) >>>
2. Apollo (Apollo)
3. Ares (Mars)
4. Artemis (Diana)
5. Athena (Minerva) >>>
6. Demeter (Ceres)
7. Dionysus (Bacchus)
8. Hephaestus (Vulcan)
9. Hera (Juno) >>>
10. Hermes (Mercury)
11. Poseidon (Neptune)
12. Zeus (Jupiter)
Two Extra's:
13. Hestia (Vesta)
14. Heracles (Hercules)
Aphrodite
Aphrodite is one of the twelve Olympians and the Goddess of Love from the Greek mythology. The Roman Empire later adapted her into their pantheon and gave her the name Venus. The cult of Aphrodite was largely derived from the Phoenician goddess Astarte, a cognate of the East Semitic goddess Ishtar, whose cult was based on the Sumerian cult of Inanna. This lineage show the interesting overlaps between ancient cultures and their connection to each other. A few 1000 years laters and they are still here. Now restored and (again) in color! Powered by the new and advanced Adobe Creative Cloud programs for Graphic Design, over a decade of practice and a passion for history and mythology.
Artistical Background
Originally created by Hendrick Goltzius between 1595 and 1611 and colorized by Stephan Raymond Post in 2020 in a painstaking process of historical research and colorization. Considerable effort has been made to make the colorized image historically correct. This print is only available in limited edition.
The image of Venus holding the golden apple, which she received as an award from Paris for his judgment on the most beautiful woman, is a modernized version of Hendrick Goltzius' 1611 projection of the goddess Aphrodite. Stephan Raymond Post restored, upscaled and colorized the original image in 2020, putting considerable effort into making it historically accurate.
How it was made
The artwork featuring the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, is a beautiful tribute to Greek mythology and the masterful craftsmanship of Hendrick Goltzius. The use of colors in this artwork is particularly noteworthy, as each color was carefully chosen to reflect Aphrodite's association with love, beauty, and fertility.
To create Aphrodite's skin color, images of the planet Venus were used and through a process of screening, overlaying, subtracting, and differencing the colors of the planet to achieve a violet, almost purple-ish tone. The spots on her skin are meant to represent the storms and marks on the planet Venus, giving her skin tone a celestial quality.
In contrast, Eros/Cupid, the son of Aphrodite, has a slightly more red skin tone, created using a mix of the planet Mars and Venus. This combination of colors is a representation of the fact that Ares, who is associated with the planet Mars, is the father of Eros. Thus, images of the planet Mars with it rich iron-oxide red surface were used for the colors of Eros/Cupid.
Aphrodite's radiant blond hair with a gloss of strawberry red is achieved by using photographs of strawberries to give her hair the reddish and radiant glow. The result is truly eye-catching. The silver tiara and silk white robe worn by Aphrodite bring out further associated colors, while her face and neck have been given a deeper shadow to create a more elegant appearance.
Finally, the top of the image has been heightened and bending rays of light added to give the effect of the Goddess and her son walking out of the frame with the Golden Apple of Paris she won for being the most beautiful of all the Gods. This added touch is a beautiful representation of the mythology surrounding Aphrodite and her son.
Overall, this artwork is a stunning tribute to Greek mythology and the craftsmanship of Hendrick Goltzius. The attention to detail, particularly in the use of colors, shows passion and dedication as the original work deserved. The result is a beautiful piece of art that captures the essence of the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, and her son Eros/Cupid.
The original etch made by the Dutch draftsman and painter Hendrick Goltzius in 1611 was almost characteristically small in size. The original work is 18.6 x 26.4cm and without color.
History
Hendrick Goltzius was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter. He was the leading Dutch engraver of the early Baroque period, or Northern Mannerism, lauded for his sophisticated technique, technical mastership and "exuberance" of his compositions. According to A. Hyatt Mayor, Goltzius "was the last professional engraver who drew with the authority of a good painter and the last who invented many pictures for others to copy". In the middle of his life he also began to produce paintings.
A digital print was made accessible by the Rijksstudio of the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands. With thousands of etches and drawings made available for download, many under the Public Domain CC Commons License. Making it possible for artists to have a go at it. The etch of Aphrodite by Hendrick Goltzius has been ‘brought back to life’. As with many of the other and upcoming etches in color.
About 409 years later the old artwork is enlarged, enhanced and colorized into an amazing life-size work of color and history.
Name | Aphrodite & Eros |
Artist | SRP |
Type | Graphic Design |
Style | Colorization |
Sizes | 6/7 prints available |
Year | 2020 |
Edition | 1st |
Signature | On the backside |
Extra | 1611 Mini-print |
| Sale of the Work |
The artworks available from the Etnicea Studio are exclusive and unique, with only one in existence per size. It is important to handle them with care, as they represent a rare and special piece of history. Each work is printed on Fine Art Cotton Paper, using high-quality Epson ink that will ensure their longevity for many centuries. The printing process itself is performed using a massive two-meter SureColor printer, which ensures that the graphic design is printed with the utmost care and precision. This combination of fine art paper, high-quality ink, and expert printing techniques results in artworks that are not only beautiful but also historically significant. They represent a revival of our collective history and are an effort to preserve our planetary cultural heritage.
There are seven different sizes available for purchase, with the number seven being considered lucky by many. So, if you're looking to bring a touch of luck and beauty into your home or office, consider purchasing one of these unique and beautiful works from Etnicea.
- 110x175cm | Expo Only
- 100x160cm | SOLD
- 90x145cm | 1 Available
- 80x130cm | 1 Available
- 70x110cm | 1 Available
- 60x95cm | 1 Available
- 50x80cm | Unlimited Edition
Recommended Framework: Silver
Pallas Athena
Athena, also known as Pallas Athene, is an ancient Greek goddess who is associated with wisdom, warfare, and handcraft. She adapted the name after she accidentally killed her beloved friend Pallas by throwing a discus against her head. Regardless of that incident, she is widely regarded as one of the most important deities in Greek mythology. Over time, Athena was adapted into the Roman pantheon and became known as Minerva. In ancient Greece, Athena was viewed as the patron and protectress of various cities, with her influence being particularly strong in Athens, from which she most likely received her name. The Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens is a temple dedicated to her.
Athena is often depicted wielding the Aegis shield, which features the head of the gorgon Medusa, and is also accompanied by an owl, which is seen as a symbol of wisdom. According to legend, Athena adopted the name 'Pallas' after accidentally killing her beloved friend Pallas by throwing a discus that struck her head. Pallas was the daughter of Triton, a son of Poseidon, and out of respect for her friend, Athena adapted the name Pallas Athena.
The story of Athena is a rich and fascinating one, and her influence is still felt in modern times. From her role as the protector of cities to her association with wisdom and handcraft, Athena is a powerful and enduring symbol of Greek mythology. The Minerva Art Academy in Groningen, The Netherlands is a perfect example.
About 409 years later the old artwork is enlarged, enhanced and colorized into an amazing life-size work of color and history.
Name | Pallas Athena |
Artist | SRP |
Type | Graphic Design |
Style | Colorization |
Sizes | 1 of each |
Year | 2021 |
Edition | 1st |
Signature | On the Backside |
Extra | 1612 print |
Artistical Background
This version of Pallas Athena is a modernized print of the Michel Janszoon van Mierevelt's 1612 projection of the powerful goddess. Originally created between 1595 and 1612 by Goltzius and printed by Willem Isaacz van Swanenburg, the after-design was done by Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt. In 2021, Stephan Raymond Post redesigned, upscaled, and colorized the artwork to create a new representation of Athena. This print is only available in limited edition.
How it was made
The colors used in the artwork are associated with Athena and include the gold of her helmet, blue of her finery, red of her cloth, and the silver-goldness of the mighty Aegis shield featuring the head of Medusa. One look into the eyes of Medusa and you will be turned to stone. Make this one of the most dangerous shields ever. As a powerful deity, Athena is often depicted with her spear and golden helmet, exuding strength and wisdom. In the artwork, her skin tone is based on a darker part of the planet Venus, matching her dark hair. This, along with the choice of colors, helps to convey Athena's strength and wisdom that exudes from her posture. She even bested Ares, the god of War, in a fight. Her strategies are almost virtuous.
Originally, the image was a reference to the 'Apple of Paris' situation, where Athena observed Aphrodite being chosen as the most beautiful according to Paris. It is unclear whether she was truly jealous, but it is imaginable she was at least a little disgruntled. However, the artwork has been redesigned to focus entirely on Athena. Dark clouds have been added to the upper left part of the artwork, creating a sense of ominous approaching war. The goal of the redesign was to show Athena as a wise and calm goddess, carefully planning her next move to ensure her victory. It also is a huge testament to the amazing craftsmanship of Hendrick Goltzius from the 16th and 17th century. The most copied etcher. And we do love tradition. His works are simply the best and deserve to be in full color with our new technologies.
History
Michiel Janszoon van Mierevelt (1567-1641) was a Dutch painter, primarily known for his portrait work during the Dutch Golden Age. He was born in Delft, Netherlands, and spent the majority of his life there. Michiel van Mierevelt's paintings captured the likeness of many prominent figures of his time, including statesmen, scholars, and members of the Dutch royal family.
His artistic talent and reputation as a skilled portraitist led to a successful career, and he established a large studio in Delft, where he trained numerous students. Van Mierevelt's style was characterized by its detailed and realistic portrayal of his subjects, often with a focus on capturing their personality and inner character.
His paintings were highly sought after, and he received commissions from various notable individuals, contributing to his fame and financial success during his lifetime. His works are significant not only for their artistic merit but also for providing historical records of the prominent figures and personalities of the Dutch Golden Age. Today, many of his portraits can be found in museums and galleries worldwide, contributing to the preservation and appreciation of Dutch art and history.
| Sale of the Work |
The artworks available from the Etnicea Studio are exclusive and unique, with only one in existence per size. It is important to handle them with care, as they represent a rare and special piece of history. Each work is printed on Fine Art Cotton Paper, using high-quality Epson ink that will ensure their longevity for many centuries. The printing process itself is performed using a massive two-meter SureColor printer, which ensures that the graphic design is printed with the utmost care and precision. This combination of fine art paper, high-quality ink, and expert printing techniques results in artworks that are not only beautiful but also historically significant. They represent a revival of our collective history and are an effort to preserve our planetary cultural heritage.
There are seven different sizes available for purchase, with the number seven being considered lucky by many. So, if you're looking to bring a touch of luck and beauty into your home or office, consider purchasing one of these unique and beautiful works from Etnicea.
- 110x175cm | Expo Only
- 100x160cm | Available
- 90x145cm | Available
- 80x130cm | Available
- 70x110cm | Available
- 60x95cm | Available
- 50x80cm | Unlimited Edition
Recommended Framework: Gold
Hera
Hera is the goddess of marriage, women, and family. She holds a revered place in Greek mythology as the queen of the twelve Olympians and the protector of women during childbirth. As the daughter of Titans Cronus and Rhea, and the sister and wife of Zeus, Hera is a formidable force to be reckoned with. The Greek Gods worked a lit differently. One of Hera's defining characteristics in myth is her intense jealousy and vengeful nature when dealing with any who offend her, particularly Zeus' numerous adulterous lovers and illegitimate offspring. Despite her sometimes fearsome reputation, Hera is also known for presiding over weddings, blessing and legalizing marital unions, and protecting women from harm during childbirth.
Hera is also a competitor, as seen in the race for the Golden Apple of Paris, where she vied for the title of the most beautiful woman, only to be defeated by Aphrodite. Her sacred animals include the cow, cuckoo, and the peacock, each symbolizing different aspects of her character and domain.
In Roman mythology, Hera is known as Juno, and her influence can be seen throughout history as a powerful symbol of marriage, women, and family. The story of Hera is a rich and fascinating one, and her presence in mythology remains a testament to her enduring power and importance.
Hera in full color by SRP more than 400 years later. Hendrick Goltzius truly made the most amazing engravings of his time, without color.
Name | Hera |
Artist | SRP |
Type | Graphic Design |
Style | Colorization |
Sizes | 7/7 Sizes Available |
Year | 2021 |
Edition | 7/7 Sizes Available |
Signature | Inscribed on the Back |
Extra | 1611 Print |
Artistical Background
Originally created by Hendrick Goltzius between 1595 and 1612 and printed by Willem Isaacz van Swanenburg. The after design was done by Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt and in 2021 Stephan Raymond Post redesigned, upscaled and colorized the amazing artwork of a the queen goddess of the Olympians. The image of Hera has gone through much editing, especially her hair and skin color. This print is only available in limited conditions. This is a modernized image of the 1612 projection of the goddess Hera.
How it was made
The colorization of Hera, goddess of marriage and queen of the Olympians, was a careful and deliberate process. The task was not easy, as there is a lot of conflicting information about what colors are associated with her. Eventually, it was decided that she would be draped in a red cloth, a fitting attribute for the occasion. The color red was chosen to "make hearts beat faster," symbolizing romance of marriage.
Hera is on her way to obtain the Golden Apple of Paris, a competition that left her feeling quite jealous after she, along with Athena, saw it go past them to Aphrodite. Hera's veil is classic white, symbolizing marriage, and is bound to a silvery ornament on her head. Her shining brown-blond hair is adorned with green marbles, representing fertility, and given extra highlights to make her appearance more radiant. Hera's skin tone is also derived from the planet Venus and has been filtered and polished over many hours to adhere to her paleness without making her too pale. She is accompanied by her green and blue peacock, a main attribute of Hera. As the queen of the Olympians, she is always accompanied by brilliant light, signaling her approach.
Although the artwork is associated with the Golden Apple of Paris, the goal was to make it more about Hera herself and move away from the competition. This engraving, originally made by Hendrick Goltzius, is by far the best and most detailed depiction of the goddess of marriage. The words at the bottom are a promise to Paris, left untranslated so that owners can do some interesting research themselves.
The original etch made by the Dutch draftsman and painter Hendrick Goltzius between 1595 and 1612 was also very small. The original work is 24.7 x 14.3cm. As you can see without color.
