Tyrannen Phalarus fra Agrigent indeslutter billedhuggeren Parillus i den af ham udførte, glødende broncetyr 1671 - 1738

Hendrik Krock created this drawing of Tyrant Phalaris in the early 18th century, with pen and grey ink, brush and grey wash, on blue paper. Krock’s drawing illustrates a tale of tyranny and artistic creation set in ancient Sicily. Phalaris, the cruel ruler, tests the sculptor Perillos’ invention: a bronze bull that kills its victims by roasting them alive. In a twist of fate, Perillos becomes the bull’s first victim. Made in Denmark, this drawing invites us to consider the artist’s social position. Krock was employed as a court painter, an artist at the service of the monarchy. His choice of subject matter—the punishment of an artist by a tyrant—raises questions about the artist’s role as a servant of power. Is this drawing a critique of absolute rule, or a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked creativity? To delve deeper, consult historical texts about the lives of artists in royal courts and explore the visual language of power and justice in the 18th century.