Cydippe with the Apple of Acontius c. 1645 - 1655
paulusbor
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"Cydippe with the Apple of Acontius" painted by Paulus Bor between 1645 and 1655, depicts a woman holding an apple in her hand, possibly an allusion to the Greek myth of Acontius and Cydippe. The painting is characterized by its soft lighting and rich, nuanced color palette, showcasing Bor's skill as a Baroque artist. The woman's delicate features and the intricate details of her clothing and surroundings create a sense of intimacy and realism. The painting’s composition and subject matter are reminiscent of similar works by Dutch Golden Age masters, showcasing a blending of classical themes and contemporary artistic sensibilities.
Comments
This scene is taken from the Heroides by the Roman poet Ovid. When Cydippe went to make an offering at the temple of Diana, Acontius, who was secretly in love with her, threw an apple inside with the following words written on it: ‘I swear by the sanctuary of Diana that I will marry Acontius.’ Cydippe read the words aloud, thus turning them into a solemn vow.
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