Artwork
The Birth of Pallas Athene
The Birth of Pallas Athene is an unspecified painting by Constantin Hansen. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
The Birth of Pallas Athene is a painting by Constantin Hansen, created around 1850. It is now held in the Statens Museum for Kunst.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a scene from Greek mythology: the birth of Athena from Zeus' head. However, the figures and setting are not strictly classical, reflecting Hansen's blend of different cultural influences.
Technique & Style
The work features four figures in a dramatic composition, with a central female figure holding a spear and wearing a helmet and long robe. The artist's style combines classical subject matter with elements of Danish artistic tradition.
History & Provenance
Hansen was inspired by art historian Niels Laurits Høyen to develop a national historical painting style drawing on Norse mythology, though this painting itself depicts a scene from Greek mythology.
Artist & collection
Artist
Carl Christian Constantin Hansen (Constantin Hansen) (3 November 1804 – 29 March 1880) was one of the painters associated with the Golden Age of Danish Painting.
Elektras møde med Orestes og Pylades efter Agamemnons død
Helen Recognising Telemachus, Son of Odysseus
Nymphs Surprised by Satyrs
The Temple of the Liberal Arts, with the City of Bern and Minerva
The Death of Virginia
Saul and David
Scipio Africanus Freeing Massiva
Wamba renouncing the Crown
Nymphs Surprised by Satyrs
"Seigneur! Voyez ces yeux" (Cleopatra Discovered by Rodogune to Have Poisoned the Nuptial Cup)
Athene followed by Nike Disputing with Poseidon for Possession of Attica
The Birth of Pallas Athene