Queen Hera

While working on my Demeter painting I drew this in my sketchbook.  It may be the start of a collection.

  

   

Medium: Graphite on paper    
Dated: 2020
Original size: 14"x 11"

All images are ™ & © dba Albrecht Illustrations. All rights reserved.

The Goddess Demeter Waits in Eleusis for Spring's Return

This illustration depicts Demeter, the goddess of the harvest who presides over the bounty and fertility of the earth, waiting in her temple at the ancient city of Eleusis for her daughter, Persephone.  

The tale goes that Hades fell in love with Persephone and abducted her, taking her to the Underworld to be his wife.  Demeter searched relentlessly for her daughter and the seasons came to a halt.  With the earth at the brink of starvation, Zeus sent Hermes to fetch Persephone.  Hades would only release her if she had not eaten anything while in his domain.  Alas, poor Persephone had eaten a few seeds of a pomegranate and so was partially bound to the Underworld and Hades for certain months of the year, hence Fall and Winter.  The arrival of Spring means that Demeter will be reunited with her daughter and so she waits anxiously in anticipation of that meeting.

Here is the painting in progress:   

  

   

Medium: Oil on Crescent™ Cold Press board    
Dated: 2020
Original size: 20"x 30"

All images are ™ & © dba Albrecht Illustrations. All rights reserved.