Heroes: Mortals and Myth in Ancient Greece

Heroes: Mortals and Myths in Ancient Greece traces the epic stories of four iconic heroes from the pages of Greek literature—Achilles, Herakles, Odysseus and Helen—as depicted in original artworks over 2,000 years old. The heroes’ trials and tribulations, achievements and defeats, as well as private and comical moments became lively subject matter for painted vases, carved gemstones, relief sculptures, bronze figurines, and coins.

The first section of the exhibition, “Heroes in Myth,” spans two large galleries filled with pottery and other objects from the classical era of Greek art. They relate the life stories of these heroes, including the Twelve Labors of Herakles, the voyage of Odysseus, and key moments from the Trojan War.

“Heroes in Cult,” the second section, reveals how these and other heroes and heroines became the object of veneration. Votive offerings in the form of terracotta figurines, armor, and small vessels were ritually placed before images of heroes in the hopes of receiving in return a good harvest, protection, fertility, or healing.

Due to their ability to overcome their inherent human natures, heroes garnered widespread emulation as demonstrated in the exhibition’s final section, “Heroes as Role Models.” Aspiring athletes, politicians, warriors, and virtuous women of ancient Greece each sought to adopt the qualities they most admired in their heroes, looking to images of them for inspiration.