word "apotheosis" - the ancient Greek origin, and it consists of two words.The literal translation - "turn to God".Aboriginal word meaning apotheosis is among the concepts of praise, worship and deification.Most likely, the apotheosis - is east "invention".The proof is the story of the Egyptian or Chinese dynasties.
Initially, apparently, it was a ritual in which real historical figures extolled their virtues and positive qualities acquired exceptional.Thus, death is gradually endowed with superhuman heroes (divine) attributes also meant that their continued existence of the afterlife.
Such was the process of deification of Alexander the Great, whose cult during his lifetime made close contact him as a descendant of Zeus.In the Roman Empire after the fall of the Republic recalled the Greek emperors covenants and created a number of their own cults.A whole string of emperors hastened to declare themselves to be descendants of the gods and actively propagated the worship of self.Curiously, the most sensible of the rulers still in no hurry to declare themselves gods, and were content with only honors (Julius Caesar or Augustus).Conversely, the most unpleasant person, do not hesitate to declare their divine origin in his lifetime - a Caligula and Commodus.Still, citizens are aware that their emperor is not quite true gods, such as Jupiter.Their deification was largely ideological properties and serve more connecting thread among the vast and heterogeneous areas, some sign of recognition, marking the territory of the Roman Empire.
should not think that the apotheosis - is an anachronism.And today, quite legally in many countries and is referred to deify real holy martyrs.In Catholicism and Orthodoxy, this tradition is known as canonization.In modern life, the apotheosis of the leaders of well-known residents of the former Soviet Union, North Korea, China, 50-60 years of the 20th century.
Apotheosis got its reflection in art and culture.With regard to the apotheosis of painting - the image of the hero in the role of God.A striking example of this genre can serve Vereshchagin painting "The Apotheosis of War" or Ingres' Apotheosis of Napoleon. "Interestingly, the first paper describes an apotheosis in a negative way (as a result of a devastating war.)No less curious fresco in the Rotunda of the Capitol - "The Apotheosis of Washington" work Constantino Brumidi 1865.It was made at the end of the Civil War, and by today's standards was worth more than half a million dollars.This is - this is a very controversial work.On the one hand, George Washington is endowed with the attributes of divine power (the purple cloak, stargate in the background, shining rainbow goddess and nymphs).
It symbolizes his victorious ascension to the divine vysyam for services to the nation.And, at the same time, some researchers have noted Masonic mark on the product - the pentacle formed by the heads of the main figures.
not dismissing the truth of both concepts, we note that it is advisable to refer to any product solely as an object of art, capable lead the viewer into raptures perfect composition, plot and shapes.
Now you know the apotheosis - a word that can have very different meanings.
