Apollo and the Muses by François Verdier

Apollo and the Muses 17th-18th century

drawing

natural stone pattern

toned paper

abstract painting

ink painting

possibly oil pastel

fluid art

underpainting

france

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

François Verdier's "Apollo and the Muses" depicts the Greek god Apollo in the center of a group of nine muses. The muses, each symbolizing a different art, are gathered around Apollo, who is seated on a stone. The artwork features the winged horse Pegasus, symbolizing poetry, and a variety of musical instruments, illustrating the muses' creative pursuits. The drawing was executed in the 17th or 18th century, reflecting Verdier's style, a combination of classicism and Baroque exuberance.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Among the Roman god Apollo’s alternate names were Dionysus, his Greek epithet; Phoebus, meaning “bright” and referencing his rule over the sun; and Musagetes, leader of the Muses. The Muses were goddesses of the poetic arts, all nine of them daughters of Jupiter (god of thunder) and Mnemosyne (goddess of memory). Apollo, center, appears here in his capacity as god of music, playing his lyre. At left, Apollo’s winged steed, Pegasus, is poised near the mythical spring Hippocrene, brought to life when Pegasus forcefully thrust his hoof into the ground. This spring, located on the Muses’ sacred Mount Helicon, was said to inspire poetry when its waters were consumed.