Survival of Ancient Gods: From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance

The book by historian and mythographer Jean Seznec that you hold in your hands has become one of the most influential in its field. Building on the ideas of scholars from the Warburg Institute, Fritz Saxl and Erwin Panofsky, Seznec offered a completely new perspective on the evolution of classical images in Western European art. It is commonly believed that the gods of Olympus fell with the triumph of Christianity. Why then did they experience an incredible revival during the Renaissance? This fundamental study, rich in unique illustrative material, reveals the multifaceted role of ancient mythology in the intellectual and spiritual life of that time. Seznec's research is a journey through the centuries: we see how myths that originated in Antiquity were reinterpreted in the Middle Ages, brought to life on the canvases of Botticelli and Raphael, and found new expression in the poetry of Ronsard and Shakespeare. The author examines the 'survival of gods' in three key traditions: physical (painting, coins, engravings, sculpture), moral (allegories), and encyclopedic (literature and reference books). The author particularly explores how the appearances of the gods changed—this was influenced by historical events, regional traditions, and the growing dominance of Christian culture. The book, written in a lively and accessible language, will be a valuable source not only for specialists (art historians and religious scholars) but also for a wide range of readers fascinated by Renaissance culture.