Stanhope (cont.)

Here are some more paintings from the second wave Pre-Raphaelite, John Roddam Spencer Stanhope.  The painting below is taken from the story of Psyche. She had unintentionally aroused the ire of Aphrodite when men, aroused by her beauty, had turned from worshiping the goddess in favor of her.  Later on in her story, she becomes Aphrodite’s servant and is sent on a series of impossible tasks, one of which is to venture into Hades. She is one of the relatively few characters in Greek mythology to make it back alive from the place of the dead. Charon was the pilot who ushered the dead across the river Styx and into Hades.

Charon and Psyche by John Roddam Spencer Stanhope

This next painting is a personification, another example of allegorical art.

Night by John Roddam Spencer Stanhope

Here is Venus, another mythological subject…

Venus Rising From the Sea by John Roddam Spencer Stanhope

… and, from Greek mythology, a depiction of Andromeda, the maiden who was rescued by the demigod Perseus from the sea serpent Cetus when she was chained to a rock.

Andromeda by John Roddam Spencer Stanhope

I will end my discussion of this artist with his portrayal (on two panels) of an event from the New Testament: that of the angel appearing to Mary.

The Anunciation by John Roddam Spencer Stanhope

Graphic Mythology: The Crossbreed

The Crossbreed are a team of superheroes of Christian orientation within the pantheon of Astro City. Their names and powers are derived from biblical stories. Noah can control the weather. Mary has wings and can fly. Peter controls the ground. Daniel is a leonid man of violent principle. David is a giant. Joshua can emit a sonic scream.

What I like about this bunch is that they are used sparingly, which makes them more effective (at least in the series, Confession). They intervene at strategic points in the plot.

Otherwise, they seem to limit their influence to preaching on street corners.

They intervene but do not interfere. They avoid coercion except when it comes to fighting villains to save others. Their self-restraint maintains a balance of human decision. These are characteristics which many Christians attribute to God.

Another hero next week.

Be there or else…