Theme: Mythology

In ancient times, the stories that we today consider to be mythological were more than that; they were the religion, the worldview, and the stories that guided the actions of ancient peoples. The gods and legendary of old – such as Quetzalcōātl, Zeus, Raven, Odin, and Ishtar – were there to provide guidance and to sow havoc. Some of these legends passed into myth as perspectives changed. Thanks to oral traditions and the written word, these stories have been preserved through time. Many today are still fascinated by these legends, which we can see in everything from Japanese anime to Disney movies. We continue to create new myths to this day, such as tales of cryptids or aliens, myths about what life should be like, or ways to explain historical mysteries.

It is important to note that what some may consider mythology, others consider sacred stories that are significant in both the historical and contemporary context.

The GVSU Art Museum collection contains examples of artwork that interprets these ancient stories through sculpture, print, painting, and photography.

Bronze sculpture of two people swirled together with leaves and fabric.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Apollo and Daphne, modern bronze reproduction, 2007, 2007.560.1.

Myths in the Collection

Colorful comic book like image of a battle scene.

Roger Boss, In Which Perseus and His Warriors Fight the Terrible Beast, oil on canvas, 2011, 2011.23.1.

Fine line drawing of a bird like creature, a phoenix.

Khoi Tran, Vietnamese Four Holy Beats: Phoenix, fountain pen and ink on paper, 2021, 2022.27.2d.

Colorful abstract painting made up almost entirely with dots with shapes that look like lizards, snakes, boomerangs and concentric circles.

Michael Nelson Jakamarra, Mt. Singleton Dreamings, acrylic on canvas, 2016.74.28.

Metal plaque with a hunting scene that includes people on horses and an elk.

Gaston Albert Lavrillier, Diana on the Hunt, metal plaque, circa 1920, L11.2022.837.

Two ceramic sculpture of human figures with no heads. Instead, one figure has a factory in place of their head, the other a house. Both have small figures climbing up them.

Mary Ellen McNaughton, Modern Myth: Mr. Work and Mrs. House, ceramic, 2009.42.1ab.

Digital image of a bear-like animal with berries. Floral pattern on the bear.

Seth Sutton, Untitled, digital print, 2024.1.8.

View Mythology in the Collection

Incorporating Mythology into your Curriculum

The GVSU Art Museum can integrate artwork into your classroom discussions, assignments, projects, and more. Check out our calendar to see if one of our already planned events meets a goal for your students or reach out to us directly to plan something tailored to your needs. We can bring artwork to your classroom, classes can visit our art storage or office spaces, or book a tour of an exhibition or space on campus.

The GVSU Art Museum team can work with faculty one-on-one to create lesson plans or assignments. Whether you are looking for a behind-the-scenes experience, something hands-on, a creative usage of art in your classroom, or a more traditional assignment, we are here to assist you.

Teaching subjects regarding mythology, the Classics, ancient cultures, storytelling, or writing? Studies show that students retain knowledge more with visual aids. Use these artworks to jumpstart conversations or as the inspiration for creative writing. Studying ancient understandings of the land or traditions? These artworks can help students understand the ways the land has changed or how people lived.

To talk with us about creating a curriculum connection, please contact:
Jessica Sundstrom, Learning and Outreach Manager
[email protected]

Print in only shades of blue that includes items that relate to the myth of Poseidon, including a trident, a ship in a bottle, shells, a horseshoe and amphibious plants in a glass vase.

Madeline Devantier, Poseidon, screenprint, 2024, 2025.39.8.

Explore More Myths in the Collection

Black and green sculpture of a three headed monster with a long tail. Click for more mythical creatures.

Elona Van Gent, Magna Matter, rapid prototyping sculpture, 2004, 2004.262.1.

Mythical Creatures

Colorful abstract image made up of lots of dots in horizontal swirl patterns. Click to browse australian mythology.

Long Jack Phillipus Tjakamarra, Possum Dreaming, acrylic on canvas, 2016.74.23.

Australian Mythology

Khoi Tran, Vietnamese Four Holy Beasts: Dragon, fountain pen and ink on paper, 2021, 2022.27.2a.

Asian Mythology

Jason Quigno, Manidoo Nodin (Spirit Wind), Indiana limestone on black granite base, 2020, 2020.24.1.

Indigenous Mythology

Carved piece of wood with a scene of figures with fish and trees. Click to browse more African mythology.

Ling Tebang, The Fish Bearing Tree of Ngibtal, carved wood, circa 2002, 2003.157.1.

African Mythology

All grey image full of objects relating to the myth of Zeus including a feather, a rock and lightning botl wallpaper.

Madeline Devantier, Zeus, screenprint, 2024, 2025.39.16.

Greek and Roman Mythology

Activities and Resources

Four artworks that relate to the Greek myth of Icarus.

Blog: Wings of Wax: The Greek Tragedy of Icarus in Art
While a great lesson in morals, the tragic death of Icarus has also been a popular story to portray among artists and authors since classical times- including some artists in the GVSU Art Museum Collection.

Multiple images relating to the story of Mother Earth

Blog: Beauty and Abundance: Mother Nature
The depiction of Mother Nature in art dates to ancient civilizations, and many cultures have legends that include goddesses and personifications of nature.

Detail images of five different artworks relating to mythology.

Blog: Contemporary Interpretations of Ancient Stories
While we ease into the new year let's take a moment to look back at the messages and meanings of ancient stories, and consider how contemporary artists interpret these enduring allegories.

Past Exhibition: Still Divine: Prints by Madeline Devantier
Through her prints, Madeline Devantier reimagines Greek mythology through the lens of a still life. Each arrangement is full of objects, color, and patterns that reflect moments of the myths they're drawn from.

Example of Tony Fitzpatrick's artwork that is a fish with a unicorn horn.

Past Exhibition: Strange & Magical Beasts: Etchings by Tony Fitzpatrick
Tony Fitzpatrick's prints are filled with strange and magical beasts that draw on his childhood imagination, Catholic upbringing, and immersive experience in street culture.

Aboriginal abstract and colorful painting that was featured in an exhibit.

Past Exhibition: Drawn from the Desert: Australian Aboriginal Paintings from the Central and Western Deserts
This exhibition featured Australian Aboriginal paintings, created by artists from Papunya and the surrounding region. It featured artwork that provides insight into Aboriginal dreamings – retellings of important ancient stories and symbols – and the sacred sites of this vast and arid landscape.

Header Images:
Left
Linter Dismas, Palau Legends, carved wood, circa 2015, 2016.38.1.
Dmitry Kaminker, Danu: Thousand Breasts Goddess, cast bronze, 2004.386.1.
Kristen Hollingsworth, Apollo, digital print, 2016, 2016.115.1.

Center
Hannah Moeggenborg, My Neighbor Totoro, etching with aquatint, 2011, 2012.75.1.
BreeAnn Veenstra, The Ceryneian Hind, pen and ink on digital print, 2008, 2009.99.1a.
Alyssa Parsons, Bacchus, oil on board, 2011, 2012.83.2.

Right
Gavin Weir, Europa and the Bull, ink, charcoal, and pencil, 2019, 2019.29.1.
Tony Fitzpatrick, Norwhalis, etching, 1994, 2017.12.97.
Sid Anderson Tjampitjinpa, 'Magungi' Water Dreaming, acrylic on canvas, 2016.74.8.

Art on Campus

For more information about the artwork selection and installation process, please contact our Project Manager, Alison Christensen; [email protected].

University Art Collection

For questions related to any artwork in the University Art Collection, in storage or on view, please contact our Collections Manager, Nicole Webb; [email protected].

Learning

For questions about integrating artwork into curriculum, please contact our Learning and Outreach Manager, Jessica Sundstrom; [email protected].

Page last modified November 17, 2025

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