Original ink drawing "Pythia"
Pythia is the name of the high priestess, who served as an oracle at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. People from all around ancient Greece travelled to Delphi to ask their questions to the oracle and hear the prophecies that were sent from the god Apollo himself to be transmitted through the high priestess. Many great and influential historical or mythological personalities, like Alexander the Great or Laios, the father of Oedipus, visited the oracle to search for advice and guidance. In fact, Pythia was the highest authority in ancient Greece in terms of political, religious and personal questions – as a woman in a male-dominated society.
It is said that before the Temple was built, a huge snake named “Python” lived in this place, that the ancient Greeks thought of as the center of the earth. Apollo killed the monstrous snake and to honor him a temple was built where “Python” had fallen. When receiving the prophecies from Apollo, Pythia sat in the part of the temple where the earth was open and fumes arose from the depths, that helped the high priestess to fall into trance. Pictures often show Pythia sitting on a tripod above the opening, holding a laurel branch and a dish of Kassotis spring water in her hands while responding to the questions of her petitioners in mysterious riddles.
29,7 x 21 cm. Drawn with ink on 300 gsm aquarelle paper. Hand signed.
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