Artemis – Maiden of the Hunt

Artemis – Maiden of the Hunt- SOLD

Oil on Canvas 24″x36″ © Jo Jayson 2015
(click on image for larger version)

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Artemis (Greek) derived from Artemes meaning healthy and vigorous, was an ancient Greek Olympian Goddess, whose Roman equivalent was Diana. Her origins seem to come from pre-Olympian even pre-historic connections and are also linked with the Ephesian Artemis, who was a nature, fertility deity.

The Artemis we know today however is firmly placed as the daughter of Zeus and his mistress Leto. As the story is told, Leto gave birth to twins, Artemis and Apollo. Artemis was born first and whilst Leto was in terrible pain delivering Apollo, she came to her mother’s aid and helped midwife her brother’s birth.
Artemis as a young headstrong child had a very clear focus and confident knowing of what she wanted and did not want in her life. She asked for permission to remain an unmarried virgin, to become a huntress and have her own bow and arrow. She wished to have maiden nymphs and hound dogs who would all act as her constant companions and protectors. 5 Stag pulled her chariot, and she lived amongst the plains, marshlands, forests and mountains of the land. The Cypress tree was sacred to her as was the Amaranth flower.

One of the many versions of the myths and stories about Artemis is that of her one true love, the giant hunter Orion. Whilst showing off her hunting skills to her brother Apollo, she accidentally shot and killed Orion with her arrow. In her deep sorrow and grief she placed him amongst the stars…now known to us as the Orion Constellation. There are many stories of Artemis’ bravery, her clear decisiveness and her deep connection and love of nature and wild animals. Apollo and Artemis were known as both protective and destructive Gods. In one moment they could inflict disease and suffering and in another, offer great healing and protection. As Apollo’s realm was that of young boys , Artemis was protector of young girls, those unmarried and those in need of help during childbirth.
Artemis was associated with the new moon and the evening. She is often referred to as the “Bringer of Light”. Fiercely independent she teaches women to become self sufficient, to face their fears, to go after their goals and to not become constrained by the expectations of culture and society. It is not surprising that she has become a role model, archetype and beacon of light to women’s rights activists and women searching for their own inner strength, focus and empowerment. © Jo Jayson 2015