Ishtar - Portrait of a Goddess by brewgirlca
Open full image in new tabDescription
"Ishtar"
Amazing difference huh? Ishtar was the greatest and one of the most ancient Goddesses of the Mesopotamian world; stories of Ishtar go back to at least 5000 BC. Originally known as Inanna by the Sumerians, she became Ishtar to the Akkadians, Assyrians and Babylonians in the second millennium BC. Later she became Astarte to the Phonecians and Atergatis to the Syrians. No matter her incarnation, Ishtar was a complete Goddess, embracing both the dark and light side. She was the Goddess of war but also the Goddess of Love. This is reflected in her wide sweep of lovers, husbands, consorts and brothers. As the Goddess of War she was the sister of the moon God Sin and the lover of the slayer God, Reshef. As the Goddess of Love she was the daughter of the sky god Anu and the fertility Goddess Anat. During the Babylonian captivity in the fifth century BC, the ordinary Jewish captives turned to the worship of Ishtar. A vital part of this worship was the sacred marriage between the king and a human representative of Ishtar...chosen from the fairest of the virgin priestesses, a union which brought blessings on the people. The Biblical story of Esther and King Ahasuerus reflects this ceremony exactly. Before her marriage she was named Hadassah, but after, she took the name Esther, a form of Ishtar. The Book of Esther was written just before the birth of Christ, doubtless to make respectable a ceremony of massive popularity. It is interesting that this book and the Song of Solomon are the only two texts in the Old Testament that contain not one word or mention of the Jewish God, Johovah.
Comments (30)
mgtcs
Marvelous render Roxy splendid lighting and brightness, her hair is fabulous, amazing image and narrative my dear, very well done!
Blush
Great portrait and I agree awesome narrative as well Hugs Susan~
eekdog Online Now!
fabulous portrait hon,, your presentation of your great talents are amazing here Roxy.
Sepiasiren
I think we mirror the gods in that we have both dark and light as well. It is balance and brings a harmony to us. I think people who try to deny that aspect of themselves soften feed it in ignorance. A beast can only be tamed if one acknowledges the need to to tame it. That s id--some of us exude more light than others and vice versa. But Isthar was that perfect harmony of spiritual balance...and the imagery here is such a perfect underscore of that--Only when I am dogged tried do you fail to ignite one of my long glowing diatribes...lol...Bravo again my friend. And yes, I do recall mention of the Goddess of Heaven in the bible--I think it was Jeremiah who was rebuking Israel not to go back to their "old ways..."
zil2008
Looks like your getting the hang of PP2012. She looks great here. Nice skin tones. You'll have it all figured out in no time. Hugs Liz
barryjeffer
Lots of work and time involved, but you have, indeed, produced an image that is amazing. Beautiful work my friend.
RJS
Remarkable image, my friend. Looking forward to seeing where you take this story.
Faemike55
Very cool image and wonderful information, Roxy
SidheRoseGraphics
This is an excellent render Roxy. I'm not overly fond of the ultra-shiny lipstick thing on any model, but otherwise her skin texture and hair are excellent. The lipstick thing is however just my opinion ;) Her eyes are very liquid and real looking and I love her sword hilt! Beautiful work!!!!
brycek
Very beautiful..love her eyes!!
odile
Lovely portrait. I like the contrast betweem the palm leaves at the back and the warm tones of her skin, very clever feature! Interesting narrative as well. Cheers Odile
missblue
Fantastic work!
fallen21
Excellent portrait!
Fairy.Dust
Beautiful render, well done!:)
capelito
Beautiful image.
vitachick
2012 giving so much more detail. Like the shinny effects on the hair. Her skin glows and looks like she has a great lip gloss.
MineFujiko
Wow! Beautiful Portrait!! love her wet lips.
drifterlee
Gorgeous portrait!!!!
galung
She has a very good smile
fransjorgen
Fantastic portrait, Roxy. She is indeed a Goddess . Thanks for this beautiful creation. Frans
adrie
Excellent portrait work Roxy, love the lighting and expression.
magnus073
What a fantastic looking image, you did a super job once again Roxie
Tracesl
excellent
RodS
Ishtar looks absolutely incredible, Roxy! You have certainly done your homework, both with Poser and history. I find this period of history to be extremely fascinating - I just wish I had the time to really explore it in depth.... Something to look forward to when I retire... Outstanding artwork; her skin just glows....
Dreamdesigner
Amazing works Roxy,Thank you very much for your detailed, historical and PP2012 Technical information's my friend!!:-))))
velleman
I like the compositional offset and the way you filled the frame. The radiance of the character is beautifully expressed, superb glossy textures. Very elegant image!
shingleboot
Wonderful portrait and background history
adorety Online Now!
Love the skin detail and that subtle glow. Even the glossy lips, quite enticing ;) I think the hair came out really great on her as well, lots of detail without the strands looking plastic. Beautiful work fitting of such high goddess. Someone else mentioned this too, but the it seems proper that the highest forms and ideals are based in balance. To ignore the darkness that resides within is to allow it to fester and grow, where by only seeing the light you may grow blind to all before you. Thanks for the technical too.
Rhanagaz
She looks gorgeous, Roxy! Excellent portrait and work! :o)
3dpoetry
Sensational work Roxy