Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Gods of Cythera: Phanes


In the Orphic tradition, Phanes is the first of the gods, called Phanes Protogenos: first-born Phanes. He was born of the egg of Night and Chaos, and with him light was born. Some classical sources identify him with Elder Eros, as described in Hesiod's "Theogony." He is the first king of the universe. The serpent wrapped around him is the Agathos Daimon, or Good Spirit, and is sometimes also associated with Saturn. He stands within the zodiac because it represents the cosmos over which he reigns.

I created this piece in watercolor, gouache and ink on tinted paper. The composition is based on an ancient relief sculpture located in Modena, Italy.

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