Atlas tattoos represent strength, resilience, and the ability to carry heavy burdens, but you might be wondering why. Whether you’re planning on getting a tattoo of Atlas holding the heavens or you simply want to know more about one of the most popular tattoo motifs among men, you came to the right place.
Atlas, for those of you who don’t know, was a Titan condemned by Zeus to hold up the heavens for eternity as punishment for leading the Titan rebellion against Zeus in the Titanomachy. Atlas was seen as a God of strength, endurance, and perseverance by many, and that’s why many tattoo-getters opt for Atlas tattoos these days.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the most stunning works of art inspired by Atlas to bring to your next ink appointment.
1. A realistic Atlas tattoo on the forearm
Starting with a straightforward design, this tattoo features a realistic depiction of Atlas carrying the world on his shoulders. Complete with a beautiful contrast between black and gray ink, this tattoo looks like something straight out of a museum.
2. A sketch-style Atlas tattoo on the upper arm
Sketch-style tattoos are better for people who prefer rugged designs, rough outlines, and unfinished sketches. This tattoo, for example, features a sketch-style depiction of Atlas carrying the world. The style of the tattoo makes it look more abstract than it is, too.
3. A sketch-style Atlas tattoo on the thigh
Arm tattoos are awesome, but a thigh tattoo offers you more real estate to work with. This tattoo is more detailed than the previous one because it was done on a bigger “canvas.” With lines, circles, triangles, and similar shapes, this tattoo looks like a geometric tattoo.
4. A detailed Atlas tattoo on the forearm
A detailed tattoo of Atlas might be the right way to go! Whether you opt for a geometric tattoo like the one in the picture or decide to go with a completely different style, you can achieve *a lot* with a few symbols and elements that work wonderfully with the focal point of the tattoo.
5. A tattoo of Atlas on the ribcage
What about a ribcage tattoo of Atlas? Rib tattoos aren’t everyone’s cup of tea because they’re rumored to hurt *a lot* and take longer than arm tattoos or thigh tattoos. Rib tattoos are attractive, though, and you might want to turn a blind eye to everyone’s opinions and get one, nonetheless.
6. An abstract Atlas tattoo on the upper arm
Abstract tattoos are perfect for modern minimalists or people who prefer to evoke emotion with their ink rather than attract attention. Abstract tattoos typically consist of elements that confuse, whether that’s because they’re loose and undefined or because they look like they don’t belong to the design of the tattoo, at all.
7. A detailed Atlas tattoo on the upper arm
This tattoo is the perfect representation of determination, strength, and endurance. This tattoo features both Sisyphus pushing the rock and Atlas carrying the world. With these two incredibly intricate symbols, this tattoo represents the discipline and persistence needed to tackle life’s challenges.
8. A tattoo of Atlas holding a heart
Atlas tattoos are popular because everyone knows the story of Atlas holding the heavens for the rest of eternity. While you shouldn’t change something that’s already perfect, meaningful, and functional, you can still express your creativity by switching up the very *thing* that’s causing Atlas so much pain. This tattoo, for example, features Atlas holding a heart rather than the heavens.
9. A delicate Atlas tattoo on the leg
When choosing the right placement for your tattoo, you might want to keep an open mind. Leg tattoos might be underrated, but they’re guaranteed to offer you plenty of space to work with. This tattoo truly packs a punch thanks to all the elements the tattoo artist was able to fit on the leg.
10. A micro-realism Atlas tattoo on the thigh
Micro-realism tattoos are all the rage these days, and for a good reason, too. Whether you’re a fan of realistic depictions of Greek gods or you simply like the idea of getting inked by someone who specializes in micro-realism, we suggest you opt for a tattoo like the one in the picture.
11. A small and simple Atlas tattoo
Atlas tattoos are typically on the bigger side of the spectrum, but that might not be your style. With a smaller and simpler tattoo, you can embellish your body and manifest strength, resilience, and power without going all out. We love the way this tattoo blends into the skin thanks to the soft and subtle nature of the dotwork style.
12. A tattoo of Atlas with three swords stabbing a heart
We already mentioned that you can make any tattoo your own by adding a little spin on it or spicing it up with a symbol that means something to you. Atlas might be holding the heavens, but – with the addition of three swords stabbing a heart, this tattoo gets a completely different meaning. A sword stabbing a heart happens to be a popular tattoo motif, too, and it typically represents a broken heart, a failed relationship, or betrayal.
13. A fine-line Atlas tattoo
We can’t forget about fine-line tattoos! If you’re a fan of the more subtle style of tattooing, you might be interested in getting a fine-line tattoo. It’s a great way for you to express your creativity without attracting too much attention.
14. A tattoo of Atlas holding a smiley face
What about a tattoo of Atlas holding a smiley face? While these two elements don’t seem to go together, we think there’s something superb and sinister about two completely different styles coming together to create a true work of art. Whatever your interpretation of this tattoo might be, we’re sure your tattoo artist wouldn’t bat an eye if you came to him/her with an idea like this.
15. A tattoo of Atlas on the back of the neck
The placement of the tattoo can make or break the overall design you decide to go with. This tattoo, for example, works wonderfully with the flow of the body and makes use of the surrounding space to create something unique and never-before-seen. This tattoo is based on the “Crouching Figure of Atlas” by Baldassare Peruzzi and it might be one of our favorites thus far.
16. A soft and subtle Atlas tattoo
Soft and subtle tattoos deserve a spot in the spotlight, too! Whether you’re going in for your first tattoo ever or you want to keep your tattoo elegant and effortless, we suggest going for something like this – it’s a simple depiction of Atlas holding the heavens and it’s a great way for you to skip the painstaking process of getting a big, bold (and realistic!) Atlas tattoo.
17. A big and bold Atlas tattoo
While we’re on the topic of big and bold tattoos, you might be interested in getting a half-sleeve tattoo inspired by none other than Atlas. Whether you opt for a fairly large Atlas portrait or you opt for a tattoo packed with symbols and elements associated with Atlas and Greek mythology, that’s up to you.
18. A tattoo of Atlas on the back of the leg
Black and gray realism will always be in style! When you decide to bite the bullet and get a tattoo of Atlas, you do need to pick the perfect placement to ensure you’re working with enough real estate to let your imagination run wild. What about a back-of-the-leg tattoo?
19. A full-sleeve Atlas tattoo
A full-sleeve tattoo might be a big commitment, but it’s worth your while, nonetheless. With a tattoo inspired by Atlas and all his hardships, you can create a true work of art and manifest all the things that make you an Atlas enthusiast.
20. A tattoo of Atlas on the upper arm
With an upper arm tattoo, you don’t need to worry about your tattoo stretching or sagging with time. Upper arm tattoos are some of the most popular placements out there, and they’re a great starting point for people getting their first tattoo, too. Whatever the case might be, you can’t go wrong with a tattoo of Atlas on your upper arm.
21. A geometric Atlas tattoo on the forearm
We’re ending the article with another geometric Atlas tattoo! Geometric tattoos are perfect for people who want to add more details to the overall design of the tattoo without messing up the concept. Geometric tattoos are defined by lines, circles, triangles, and other elements that add onto the overall vibe of the tattoo.
