The Pagan Dream of the Renaissance

The Renaissance was a time of rediscovery of classical texts, artistic ideals, and philosophies. Pagan iconology, symbolism, myth and story suffused the visual arts, the landscape, and general society, creating an impact so strong that it changed European culture forever. The era focused on themes such as mythology, fecundity, passion, excess, physical beauty, love, and dreams. This caused friction throughout Europe as Christian morals and ideals clashed with an artistic and intellectual revolution that explored and celebrated classical themes and figures. The goal of this movement was to celebrate the "joy and passion of the soul, and the philosophical elevation of the intellect" (pp. 2). It is important to remember that this classical revival was not an assumption of pagan religion: it was fueled by an artistic interest in the methods and ideals of the classical era, and by nostalgia. It was also energized by what Godwin calls "a secret affinity for the divinities of that world," an affinity still felt today.

Godwin states that "this book is about a state of mind and soul that arose in fifteenth-century Italy, spread through Europe along certain clearly-defined fault-lines, and persisted for about two hundred years, during which, although no one believed in the gods, many people acted as though they existed." (pp.1) The text examines the use of classical themes and figures in such areas as landscaping, literature, illustration, architecture, the visual arts, and performance. It also traces how classical mythology became encoded into aristocratic life, trickling down through levels of society over the next two centuries to disseminate classical iconography, symbolism, ideals, morals, and lessons throughout European society. Godwin presents material through description and photograph for the reader interested in learning more about how Pagan deities and mythology rejoined European imagination throughout the 15th to 17th centuries.

Godwin, a Western art and esoteric specialist, chooses not to over-analyse or hypothesise; rather, he presents his information with an obvious love for the subject, and allows the reader to develop his or her own views. The well-researched text is directed at a educated audience, and features excellent descriptions of architecture and decoration if no photo is available. There are numerous black and white illustrations, photographs, contemporary sketches, and plans included in the appropriate places to further enhance and clarify the text.

This book is of special interest to neo-Pagans with a Hellenic or Roman focus; art history students; Renaissance lovers; and any neo-Pagan interested in seeing how the pagan deities and themes were reintroduced into European culture.

(c) 2005 A. Murphy-Hiscock. Originally published in WynterGreene, Beltane (May) 2005.