Many great works of art have been inspired by ancient stories of gods and heroes. Ken Bratt and Henry Luttikhuizen will explore some powerful examples together, focusing on stories from Ovid’s Metamorphoses and the works of famous artists from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. We will study the myth of Narcissus (the origin of art?), stories of gods with mortals (Jupiter and his lovers, Venus and hers, Athena and Heracles), and some legends rooted in places like Crete, Troy, and Athens. Renowned artists who explore the myths include Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo, Bernini, Rubens, and many more. We will assess the enduring power of these stories to inspire great literature, painting, and sculpture in many different times and places, right up to our own.  

     Subject: art, history, literature 

Ken Bratt is a professor of classics emeritus at Calvin University and former director of the Honors Program. He currently serves as CALL’s Curriculum Director.  

Henry Luttikhuizen is a professor of art history emeritus at Calvin University. A distinguished scholar, he has served as president of the Midwest Art History Society and as president of the American Association of Netherlandic Studies. He currently serves as a scholar-in-residence at Grand Valley State University.