Classical Heroes

The exhibition examines the mantle of heroism and what lies beneath it. What makes a hero a hero?

Heroism is about more than just smelling the roses and leaping from one victory to another. In Classical tales fate drives the hero into his allotted role and the Olympian gods guide him. The stuff the hero is made of is tested on dangerous journeys, in contests of prowess, and in tortuous trials. This entails sacrifices, disappointments, and tragic events. These narratives by no means always end in triumph – even the great heroes fail. The most important thing is the story, not whether the hero lives happily ever after.

For more than 2000 years now, writers, artists and composers have drawn inspiration from ancient hero figures and myths. Today, the influence of Classical heroic tales is detectable, for example, in comic books, games and films. These compelling stories and characters continue to entertain us, and the human sides of their heroes give us something to relate to.

The exhibition puts the spotlight on the principal heroes of Greek mythology – Heracles and Perseus – as well as Achilles, Odysseus, Hector and Paris, who fought in the Trojan War. On display here are Greco-Roman ceramics, sculptures, engravings, paintings, and contemporary art in various media. The exhibition is curated by Claudia de Brün.