THE MAKING OF... DANCING DELPHINUS

DANCING DELPHINUS

So, Delphinus is escorted on his final journey through the wine-coloured sea by the subjects of Poseidon, the earth shaker, and he is accompanied by the haunting song of the sirens. Sweet-footed Thetis dives to gather the spoils of the sea and the finest mortal-made gifts the depths have to offer, for she brings vessels and statues, and coins from every corner of the land. And from the shores of Delphi, a hollow ship leads the way towards Mt. Olympus, steered by the Oceanids, and they string gentle Delphinus with the gift of a beautifully wrought golden Kithara to take to his new home amongst the stars.

ILLUSTRATION IN PROGRESS

This design is based around ancient Greek art, pottery, poetry and literature. It features a shining, leaping dolphin, representing Delphinus, the selfless saviour of Arion, a character of ancient Greek myth. Delphinus wears a string of golden stars and carries with him a Kithara, the stringed musical instrument of the poet, Arion. Below Delphinus is depicted a wooden trireme, an ancient Greek seafaring vessel, inspired by those described in the Homeric epic, The Iliad. The central feature is surrounded by an arc of nautical details; from shells and iridescent flying fish, to sculpted vessels and vases, all crowned by a shimmering octopus. Ocean-inspired coins from various towns in ancient Greece pepper the perimeter of this design, while the four corners contain terracotta treasures overgrown with vibrant sea flowers. The base of the design holds the eyes of Pallas Athene watching over sweet Delphinus, fallen from a statue in her honour. The full composition is bordered by a detailed design inspired by ancient Greek vase painters.