Apollo and Clythia 1745

Charles-Joseph Natoire's 1745 painting, "Apollo and Clythia", depicts the Greek myth of the nymph Clythia's unrequited love for the god Apollo. Clythia, dressed in blue and white, sits forlornly as Apollo, the god of music and light, strums his lyre, a symbol of his divine talents. A winged Cupid, representing love, lies at their feet, subtly highlighting Clythia's longing. Natoire masterfully employs soft, delicate brushstrokes and a warm palette to convey the emotional drama of this timeless tale.