Priestess of delphi

This painting, by the British artist John Collier (c. 1850 – 1934), endeavors to bring to life an ancient priestess from the famous temple of Apollo at Delphi. Collier’s clergywoman is not just any priestess—she is a Pythia, a prophetess who, when sitting upon her specially-placed tripod in the temple, would utter cryptic messages that […]

An ancient oracle told by a Pythian priestess says, “But when the time shall come that the female conquers in battle, driving away the male, and wins great glory in Argos, then many wives of the Argives shall tear both cheeks in their mourning.”

John Collier (January 27, 1850 - April 11, 1934) was a leading English artist and author. He painted in the Pre-Raphaelite style, and was one of the most prominent portrait painter of his generation. Both his marriages were to daughters of Thomas Henry Huxley. He studied painting at the Munich Academy where he enrolled on April 14, 1875at the age of 25. [Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide - Oil on Canvas, 16 x 8 cm]

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Archaeology & Art on Instagram: "John Collier, Priestess of Delphi, detail, 1891.⁣ ⁣ Pythia was the title given to the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece. Ancient Greek society had a strong belief in the power of prophecy, and prophecies were delivered by individuals called oracles. Oracles were thought to channel the gods and foretell the future. Delphi was a specific location considered a site of power where oracles worked. The Pythian Oracle was not just one person but was a title given…

The women in Zhang Jingna's photographs look so pristine that at a first glance, they appear painted. The New York-based artist styles them in flowing, ruffled gowns and adorns them with flowers and jewels.

The oracale of delphi praying in the temple of apollo from heaven, beautiful, magical aura and vibes, beautiful

Keeper of the Flame by Louis Hector Leroux

In a time and place that offered few career opportunities for women, the role of priestess at Delphi was enormously influential. She was consulted on everything from warfare to love to public policy.