The Curiosity of Pandora

     The famous Greek myth is like so many of our ancient legendary stories about the various qualities of humanity, in that the gods play their antics while the humans, especially women, take the blame.  In this case, the first woman created by Hephaestus was called Pandora (whose name means “all gifted”). 

     Zeus and the gods made her as a punishment to Prometheus for stealing fire and giving it to the humans.  She was created to become the wife of the brother of Prometheus, Epimetheus, and she was flawed by design.  The gift of a beautiful woman gave the gods the opportunity to play a trick that would hurt Prometheus' beloved humanity.  The gift, Curiosity, was from the mischievous god Hermes.  Pandora was given many gifts, including the famous container that, once opened, would unleashed the sorrows of the world.  Only Hope would remain.

     But what was her real curiosity?   This is a naughty painting.  Note the silhouetted figure of Hermes, himself anticipating Pandora to go for “it.”  The phrase "Pandora’s Box" was mistranslated and was originally "jar."  So, I took this liberty to strategically place an antique-style olive oil jar directly in front of the spread legs of the male god, a phallus if you choose to see it.  She is intrigued and her choice is our undoing.  But it takes two to tango and Hermes bears more of the blame.  The gods set her up to fail, but in the end, she also gave us Hope.

     This figure painting depicts the moments before Pandora's curiosity gets the better of her.  Hermes not only entices her, luring her, but waits for the inevitable attraction and action.  In the background of the cave, you see other people looking on in shock, amazement, and with their own curiosity showing.

     The silver dress may look opaque or transparent, depending on viewpoint.  You will see many little lizards looking in (two are making whoopie), and in the top left, a spider drops into the scene on a single thread.  Hermes is recognized by his wings at his ears and feet, as well as the Caduceus that rests on the dirt floor near his left hand.