Cy Twombly's "Venus" and "Apollo" from 1975 are part of a body of work that deeply engages with classical antiquity, exploring themes from Greek and Roman mythology through Twombly's distinctive abstract and scribbled forms. These pieces feature the names of the Roman gods scrawled across the canvas, a characteristic method of Twombly to blend textual elements with visual expression, creating a dialogue between the ancient and the contemporary. This approach is emblematic of Twombly's broader interest in the past, particularly the cultures of Greece and Rome, which influenced many of his best-known works​ (Apollo Magazine)​.

The exhibition “DIVINE DIALOGUES: Cy Twombly and Greek Antiquity,” showcased at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens, highlighted this intersection by presenting Twombly’s works alongside ancient artefacts. This rare pairing illuminated the unique dialogue between ancient Greek and contemporary art through Twombly's lens. The exhibition included "Venus" and "Apollo" among other pieces inspired by Greek mythology such as "Pan" (1975), "Nike" (1981), "Dionysus" (1975), "Orpheus" (1979), and more. These works were exhibited in conversation with ancient artworks, such as statues and reliefs from notable Greek and Italian museums, revealing the depth of Twombly’s engagement with the mythological and historical narratives of antiquity​ (Archaeology Wiki)​​ (Why Athens)​.

Twombly's fascination with Greece and its mythological narratives had been a significant part of his oeuvre since the late 1950s, despite his first visit to the country only occurring in the summer of 1960. The 1970s marked a period where Twombly delved deeply into Greek history and mythology, culminating in his masterpiece, the cycle "Fifty Days at Iliam." The "Venus" and "Apollo" works from 1975 stand as part of this rich exploration, transforming painting into writing and illustrating Twombly's continuous dialogue with the past​ (Archaeology Wiki)​.

This connection between Twombly’s work and Greek mythology, along with the presentation of his pieces alongside ancient artifacts, offers a profound insight into the artist's ability to traverse time and space through his art. The "DIVINE DIALOGUES" exhibition and Twombly's works such as "Venus" and "Apollo" affirm the lasting impact of Greek antiquity on contemporary creativity, bridging the ancient and the modern in a visually compelling and intellectually rich manner​ (Why Athens)​.