"Apollo"
Oil on canvas
Late 18th century
Canvas 50 x 60 cm
Frame 64 x 74 cm
Excellent condition
Apollo is the deity that most of all embodies the essence of the Greek world: complex, multifaceted, capable of bringing salvation or destruction.
His cult spread to every corner of Greece, reaching Rome.
The main center of his cult was located in Delphi, home to his most famous oracle.
Son of Zeus and twin brother of Artemis, no God in Greek mythology is associated with such an important and varied range of human existence expressions as Apollo.
He is the God of Art and Music, Light and Sun, Beauty, Wisdom and Prophecy, but also of War and Medicine.
Apollo is the protagonist of mythical, often tragic loves, the most famous being with the nymph Daphne, who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape him, and with the young Spartan prince Hyacinthus. The latter was fatally struck down during a discus-throwing competition, his throw deflected by a gust of wind from the god Zephyrus, jealous of the homosexual relationship between the two beautiful lovers.
Despite his luminous aspect, Apollo is also the god of ruthless punishment. It is he who causes the death of Patroclus in the Iliad, invisibly intervening in the duel with Hector and unleashing Achilles' wrath, and who inflicts cruel torture on Marsyas, who dared to challenge him in a musical competition, ending up flayed alive.
Alongside destructive power, Apollo possesses a benevolent function: that of healing and purifying. In myths, Apollo often appears as the one who frees the land from monsters and brings order and civilization, founding cities and building temples.
In ancient art, he is always depicted with the features of an athletic youth, tall, handsome, and with long curly hair.
The painting presented here shows him semi-nude and seated, holding the inevitable cithara in his left hand and a laurel wreath in his right.
His face is the supreme ideal of male beauty and conveys serenity and harmony, characterized by effeminate and beardless features.
It is the typical expression of classical balance and Olympic perfection.
He wears only a tunic that covers his shoulders and private parts and wears sandals on his feet. He opens his arms to offer his sensual body to the viewer.
At the bottom lie the symbols of music, sculpture, painting, and poetry.
The image of extreme grace is made even more fascinating by the very particular background of the canvas. The splendid figure of Apollo is suspended in the gray and cloudy sky, in an unsettling atmosphere that, besides recalling the ruthless version of the God, illuminates him in a magnificent three-dimensional effect.
Price negotiable - Personalized payment
We issue a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity that guarantees the era, origin, and all characteristics of the work, drawn up by an art dealer affiliated with FIMA (FEDERAZIONE ITALIANA MERCANTI D'ARTE).
Delivery in Italy and throughout Europe within 3 days of receipt of bank transfer.
The shipment is tracked and insured and travels with careful shockproof packaging inside a custom-made wooden crate.
LINK:
https://www.antichitaischia.it/it/prodotto/-apollo-
