Vincent Smarkusz

Undiscovered American Genius in Modern Art

Interpreting "Genius"

Everyone is bestowed by Genius, with his/her own unique abilities.

In Roman mythology, the Genius was originally the family ancestor who lived in the underworld.  Later, the Genius became more a protecting or guardian spirit for persons. These spirits guided and protected that person throughout his life. Every man had a Genius, to whom he sacrificed on birthdays. It was believed that the Genius would bestow success and intellectual powers on its devotees.  Women had their own Genius, which was called a Juno.  The Juno was the protector of women, marriage and birth.  Juno was also the name for the queen of the gods.  Genius was usually depicted as a winged, naked youth.

In the image above....

To be continued.

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