Calumny after Raphael 1765 - 1826

Baron Dominique Vivant Denon's "Calumny after Raphael" (1765-1826) is a masterful black and white engraving that depicts a scene of slander and false accusations. The engraving is a copy of Raphael's famous fresco "The School of Athens" and showcases Denon's ability to translate the original composition into a different medium with great detail and precision. The engraving follows the original composition of Raphael's fresco, featuring a group of figures in a dramatic scene of accusation, betrayal, and despair. This scene is inspired by the story of Apelles, a Greek painter who was falsely accused of adultery by his rival. Denon’s version of the scene is a testament to the power of visual storytelling, and it serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked gossip and slander.