Study for the Apotheosis of Homer, Homer's feet 1827

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres made this oil study of Homer's feet as part of his preparation for the grand painting, "The Apotheosis of Homer." Ingres was a leading figure in the French Academy, an institution that exerted a powerful influence over artistic production. The Academy promoted a conservative style rooted in classical tradition, emphasizing idealized forms and historical subjects. Ingres' "Apotheosis," commissioned for a ceiling in the Louvre, reflects these values. Homer, the ancient Greek poet, is elevated to divine status, surrounded by other great artists and thinkers. The feet, though seemingly minor, are crucial. They ground Homer, connecting him to the earthly realm even as he ascends. This detail speaks to the Academy’s belief in the power of art to ennoble and instruct. To fully understand this work, scholars might examine the Academy's records or period criticism, which illuminates the complex interplay between artistic innovation and institutional power.