Pandora

12” X 17”

500.00

In retaliation for men receiving fire stolen from Olympus, Zeus sought to undermine the benefit of Prometheus’ gift, and so commanded Hephaestus to create Pandora, from whom the race of mortal women would spring. Sculpted from clay by the smith god, given life and a fine dress from Athena, grace and charm from Aphrodite, and guile, and a deceitful nature from Hermes. Wonder seized all who beheld her, and Zeus offered her as a bride to Epimetheus, Prometheus’ brother. Prometheus had warned his foolish brother against accepting gifts from the gods, but given that his name meant ‘after thought’ Epimetheus was not known for heeding his brother’s council. Pandora arrived into Epimetheus’ house with another gift from Zeus, an ornate and finely crafted, but sealed jar. Driven by her curious nature, Pandora could not resist the mystery of what the jar may contain, and opened it, letting loose all manner of troubles, plagues and quarrels into the world.