In the midst of summer, it’s time to add to the Four Seasons series with this illustration of Summer, visualized through the Greek Goddess of the Harvest: Demeter.
 
The myth goes that one day, Demeter lost her daughter Persephone, who was kidnapped by Hades, God of the Underworld, to make her his wife.
 
Heartbroken, Demeter fell into despair—and so, all harvests in Greece ceased to grow. She went to Zeus, King of the Gods, and pleaded for help. He finally agreed, recognizing that her sorrow was devastating the earth.
 
But Hades had one more trick. He gave Persephone a pomegranate, knowing that if she ate food in the Underworld, she’d be bound to it.
She ate six seeds. According to the rule, each seed meant one month spent below. And so, for six months every year, Persephone must return to the Underworld.
 
The ancient Greeks believed summer began when Persephone was reunited with her mother. During these months, Demeter’s joy brings growth and abundance to the earth. The other six months, while Persephone is away, Demeter grieves—and the plants stop growing.
 
This myth explains the changing seasons, and shows why Demeter embodies summer, growth, and harvest—making her the perfect figure to represent this time of year.
 
In the book Divine Might by Natalie Haynes, the myth is described as a celebration of the strength and beauty of women’s relationships.
 
“The author of the hymn—written in unquestionably patriarchal times—nonetheless understands the value of women’s relationships with one another. They bring comfort, joy, and warmth in the face of every injustice.”
 
The pigments in this painting come from the blooming plants and flowers you can find outside right now—even in the heart of a concrete city. Like nettle, field sorrel, and tansy.
 
Available as high quality artprint on size A4.