Question

How does Alma-Tedema’s interpretation of the story of Pandora draw on and transform the story? a)He focuses on the moment before Pandora opens the jar and leaves it to the viewer to decide if she will. b)The artist portrays Pandora as a young woman playing in the sea. c)He accurately portrays the image of Pandora, but changes the jar. d)In the painting Pandora is given more gifts than are described in the story.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. The artist portrays Pandora as she looks upon the jar with absolute focus. We can see the ocean in the background, but she is oblivious to it. All she can see is the jar, and we feel the gut-wrenching curiosity that torments her. In the painting she does not open the jar, but from her face we can tell that she probably will.