What exhibits more strength than Atlas, the historic Greek Titan, who purportedly bears the weight of the entire earth upon his shoulders? Tattoos of Atlas signify endurance, perseverance, and determination.
A classic tale and timeless myth in its own right, the story of Atlas being condemned to hold up the sky for all of eternity evokes the primal imagery of power in the face of abiding adversity.
Atlas, the mythological and primordial being, was the leader of the Titans who fought against the gods of Olympus. Directly related to name “Atlas” is our knowledge of astronomy. An atlas, of course, is aptly named as it refers to a book of maps and embodies the study of cartography and learning. Atlas also reminds us of the “supposed” first discovery that the earth was round, channeling the spirit of enlightenment.
Even the Atlantic Ocean means literally the “Sea of Atlas.” Iconic images of Atlas can be seen all over the world, most notably as a giant statue in Rockefeller Center.
Perhaps you are a fan of “Atlas Shrugged,” the classic novel by the famous Ayn Rand. Maybe you’re a world traveler, an adventurer, not afraid to take chances. Consider getting an Atlas tattoo that display the globe and highlight the shape of your favorite continent. Maybe you can emphasize the country your ancestors are from or idealize a place where you want to someday travel.
1. Black and Gray Atlas Tattoos
The widest variety of atlas tattoos come in black and gray, which is no surprise considering the old world nature of the symbology of having a Greek Titan etched a tattoo. Like a classic movie, some artworks just look better without the pizazz. If you think of yourself as a classicist (or you want your Atlas tattoo to be classic at the very least) then black and grey is a great option.
In practical terms, black and gray tattoos are a great investment as they are likely to pop for years to come. Achieving a great look in black and grey requires a skilful artist. Look for an artist who can achieve depth and shadow with a variety of grey scale shading. Some artists also mix with a white white ink highlight which can achieve an outstanding finishing touch.
2. Back and Shoulder Atlas Tattoos
The back and shoulder areas are the biggest, cleanest canvas tattoo artists have available to them. That makes them perfect for a seriously large piece, or even a combination of smaller pieces. The world’s your oyster with this area and there’s no limit to what your creativity can achieve with the appropriate concept.
Symbolically the back is also a great option for an Atlas tattoo. Carry on your back and shoulders, the man who holds up the entire heavens on his back and shoulders. Another reason for the popularity of Atlas back tattoos is that you can go long and/or wide and make a serious statement that can still remain hidden in your day to day life.
3. Map of the World Tattoo
The Greek Titan Atlas lends his name to our word for a collection of maps. Thus it would be remiss to exclude Atlas map tattoos from our reckoning when looking for the perfect Atlas inspired piece of body art. Maps – in particular those maps covering the world – are a powerful symbol to the modern mind. They represent adventure, possibility, both the known and unknown.
An Atlas map tattoo is a great way to pay permanent homage to the adventurers and map makers of the past, those rogues of prior centuries who explored uncharted territory and helped build the world. Equally, it can help reconnect you to your past travels or simply to your desire to be a citizen of the world.
4. Atlas Sleeve Tattoos
Up until the 1990s it was highly unusual to see a full sleeve in the West. Almost overnight they exploded into the mainstream. At first it was rock stars and other denizens of counter culture sporting the traditional Japanese Yakuza style Irezumi.
While highly taboo in Japan they were almost an unknown in the west at the time. Their sheer eye popping beauty and sense of extravagance rocketed them into the spotlight in combination with technological and artistic gains in the wider industry.
Traditionally, American arm tattoos were not blended as a single piece but rather placed as individual tattoos. Pretty soon this changed. Within the last couple of decades a beautifully blended full, half or quarter sleeve has become a staple of any quality tattoo artist’s oeuvre.
An Atlas sleeve tattoo can work as the centrepiece of a piece, or even as part of a Greek tattoo featuring a traditional and mythological theme. A particularly well shaded black and grey Atlas sleeve can be incredibly detailed, striking bit of complex art in an era of colourful sleeves.
5. Traditional Religious Art Style Atlas Tattoos
There are no more revered artists in history than those famous names of the Renaissance and those later Masters who painted religious classics, such as: Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel, Raphael and Transfiguration, Leonardo da Vinci and The Last Supper… why not you and your Atlas tattoo?
This classic, timeless style is well suited to depictions of Atlas, and often invoke the same feelings of awe to a museum full of great works. For those gazing upon your religious style Atlas tattoo, they can immediately make the connection between symbolism and the classic style. Traditional style is a great option for those wishing to convey vast meaning and reverence in their tattoo.
6. Innovative Atlas Tattoos
The history of tattooing is the history of tradition + innovation with broad respect going in both directions. There is huge opportunity to combining styles with Atlas. He can be depicted in his traditional form but outlined and highlighted with brilliant neo traditional style colours or even depicted entirely in watercolour. He can be drilled down into a minimalist, geometric or even cartoon format. He can be created through negative space or dotwork. He can even be reimagined in American Traditional Sailor Jerry style.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to Atlas tattoos so don’t be afraid to experiment and figure out which style works best for you.
What do Atlas tattoos symbolize?
In its simplest form, Atlas holding up the world symbolizes superhuman strength and endurance, an indefatigable nature, and the ability to go on under any and all circumstances. This tattoo can be there to inspire you to carry on through what may seem like the most impossible of burdens, to dig down and find inner strength.
Or it may symbolize your journey through Earth already, making your way through anything and never – as the famous novel suggests – attempting to shrug off those burdens, to avoid the hard way.
Tangentially we also take our name from the Titan for a collection of maps. The Atlas in that sense can symbolize the way, the journey, adventure or all knowledge of the known world.
Ultimately you can find your own meaning in the Atlas symbology and how his story resonates with you.
Enjoy these Atlas tattoos? Click on the links below for more outstanding Greek Mythology themed galleries:
- Top 59 Greek Mythology Ideas
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