Arete Collection

Statue of Virtue, Arete, on the facade of the Roman Library of Celsus dating from between 110 and 135 AD, at the archaeological site of Ephesus, Anatolia, Turkey, Asia Minor, Eurasia

Climbing Eagle's Nest Arete, Great Gable Lake District Date: 19th century

Climbing Great Gable Eagle's Nest Arete Victorian period Date: 19th century

Mont Blanc
A climber on the arete du Rochefort, Mont Blanc. The image is reproduced from a book of photographic studies entitled Haute Montagne'. Date: circa 1931

The apotheosis of Homer, bas-relief by Greek sculptor Archelaus of Priene
6340189 The apotheosis of Homer, bas-relief by Greek sculptor Archelaus of Priene by Migliavacca, Innocente (19th century); (add.info.: The apotheosis of Homer)

Odysseus entertained by Alcinous, ruler of the Phaiacians on the island of Scheria
6340106 Odysseus entertained by Alcinous, ruler of the Phaiacians on the island of Scheria by Unknown Artist, (19th century); (add.info.: Odysseus entertained by Alcinous)

Figures of Greek kings from ancient vases
Figures of ancient Greek kings. King dressed like Amamemnon of Homer 1. From ancient Greek vases in the collection of Sir William Hamilton. Figure degli Antichi Re della Grecia

Ulysses on the Hearth presenting himself to Alcinous and Arete (engraving)
973708 Ulysses on the Hearth presenting himself to Alcinous and Arete (engraving) by Flaxman, John (1755-1826) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

On a rocky arete (chromolitho)
968677 On a rocky arete (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: On a rocky arete)

Morning Mists, 1875 (w / c on paper)
Ma201355 Morning Mists, 1875 (w/c on paper) by Smith, James Whittet (fl.1859-86); Private Collection; Photo eThe Ms Gallery, London; British, out of copyright

Mountaineering in South-Western France, Some Peaks and Passes in the Dauphine Alps (b / w photo)
1063029 Mountaineering in South-Western France, Some Peaks and Passes in the Dauphine Alps (b/w photo) by English photographer

Odysseus at the throne of Arete (engraving)
2798906 Odysseus at the throne of Arete (engraving) by Robinson, Charles (1870-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: Odysseus at the throne of Arete)

The Sophists expelled from Rome (litho)
STC416052 The Sophists expelled from Rome (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright

Elk in sunset silhuette in front of the Teton mountain range. Grand Teton National Park
Elk in sunset silhouette in front of the Teton mountain range. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA. (Large format sizes available)

Europe, Italy, Odle Group. Late light accentuates the craggy peaks of the Odle Group, in Italys Dolomite Alps

Europe, Italy, Odle Group. Evening light throws shadows on the Odle Group in the Dolomite Alps, Italy

Europe, Italy, Odle Group. Red sunset light washes the craggy peaks of the Odle Group, in the Dolomite Alps, Italy

Europe, Italy, Odle Group. Late light rests on the craggy, snow-dusted peaks of the Odle Group, in the Dolomite Alps, Italy

Europe, Italy, Odle Group. The rugged Odle Group, in Italys Dolomite Alps, on a clear, late summer day

Europe, Italy, Odle Group. As echoes abound, its not absurd to yodle in the Odle Group, Dolomite Alps, Italy

Descending Matterhorn
Edward Whymper on the Matterhorn : he and his party find themselves in a tricky situation as they descend the western arete of the Pointe des Ecrins

A woman walking on Crinkle Crags in the Lake District UK
Ashley Cooper / SpecialistStock

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Arete, the Greek concept of excellence and virtue, is beautifully depicted in various forms throughout history. From the Statue of Virtue to the climbing routes like Eagle's Nest Arete in Great Gable Lake District, it symbolizes the pursuit of greatness. During the Victorian period, climbers challenged themselves on the treacherous slopes of Great Gable's Eagle's Nest Arete. Their determination mirrored the spirit as they conquered nature's obstacles. Even in ancient times, arete was celebrated through art. The bas-relief sculpture "The apotheosis of Homer" by Archelaus of Priene showcases how excellence is immortalized through literature and creativity. In Greek mythology, Odysseus found himself entertained by Alcinous and his wife Arete on Scheria island. Their hospitality exemplified not only their royal status but also their virtuous character. Ancient vases depict figures of Greek kings embodying arete. These noble leaders displayed qualities such as wisdom, courage, and justice that were admired by society. Ulysses presenting himself to Alcinous and Arete captures a moment where he demonstrates his own virtues before these esteemed rulers. His journey home tested his mettle while showcasing his resourcefulness and resilience. Nature itself can inspire a sense of arete; standing on a rocky arete overlooking breathtaking landscapes evokes awe and reminds us that we too can reach new heights if we persevere. Artists have captured this essence through various mediums like watercolor paintings such as "Morning Mists" or black-and-white photographs like "Mountaineering in South-Western France. " These works evoke a sense of adventure while highlighting the beauty found within challenging environments. Odysseus at the throne portrays him seeking guidance from this wise queen. It emphasizes that even heroes need mentors who possess knowledge and experience to guide them towards achieving their full potential.