Ms Arachne's Residence
Artwork details: gouache, 19.5 x 27 inches (50 x 69 cm), 2004.
Meet Ms Arachne. Arachne appears in Greek mythology - she was a mere mortal and, foolishly, very boastful about her weaving skills, saying that she could weave better than anyone, even Athene, goddess of the arts... Never, ever say this sort of thing - the gods are always listening, and always up for a fight.
'Ms Arachne' - painting by Nancy Farmer
Of course it all goes horribly wrong for her when she challenges Athene to a competition. Athene turns her into a spider as a punishment for such presumption - at least in one of the versions of the story. The more complex and interesting version has it that Athene is voted winner (because no-one dares disagree, even though Arachne's weaving is more original and imaginative) and Arachne goes off and hangs herself in her distress... and that Athene follows her and turns her into a spider not as a punishment but so that she can continue to live and to weave (or spin - spinning and weaving seem to have got a little confused at this point in the story) because Athene has actually a guilty conscience over the whole incident as she knows full well that Arachne was never going to be voted winner.
'Ms Arachne' - close-up of picture
Well, that was cutting the whole story extremely short - but suffice it to say that the once proud weaver of Greek legend never really got over the trauma of being turned into a spider and her lifestyle went rather downhill after that, so here she is in her neglected and rather squalid council house, inviting you in to her 'Residence'. I wouldn't go in, if I were you.
'Ms Arachne' - even closer!
All images and prints are © Nancy Farmer. Please email me if you wish to reproduce any of these images, or see my permissions page in the 'info' section.
Original
Title: Ms Arachne's Residence
Media: gouache,
Image size: 19.5 x 27 inches (50 x 69 cm),
Frame: framed with glass in front
Sold
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Prints
Open edition, signed prints are available for this image.
Open edition prints:
| price | paper size | aproximate image size | buy | other info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £15.00 | A4 | 8 x 11 inch / 20 x 28 cm | ||
| £29.00 | A3+ | 12 x 16 inch / 30 x 41 cm | Image very slightly cropped to fit a standard size | |
| £29.00 | A3+ | 12 x 16.5 inch / 30 x 42 cm | Full image. |
Discount for multiple purchase:
I offer a discount on several open edition prints bought at once (they do not have to be the same image). Using the buttons below you can order 4 prints at once. Please list the titles of the prints in the text field below before clicking the 'Buy Me' button. Please note - the prices below do not include the few images which are available only as limited editions. A list of these is in the limited edition section of the prints page in the shop. If you would rather email me instead I am happy to complete orders personally.
| total price | description | buy | other info |
|---|---|---|---|
| £24 | 4 x A5 open edition prints
(£6.00 each) |
Does not include limited editions |
|
| £48 | 4 x A4 open edition prints
(£12.00 each) |
Does not include limited editions |
|
| £92 | 4 x A3+ open edition prints
(£23.00 each) |
Does not include limited editions |
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