The Flaying of Marsyas 1708 - 1732

François van Loo's "The Flaying of Marsyas" (1708-1732) is a red chalk drawing depicting the Greek myth of Marsyas, a satyr who challenged Apollo to a musical contest. After losing, Apollo flayed Marsyas alive as punishment. The drawing depicts the moment of Marsyas's flaying, with Apollo standing above him and a group of nymphs watching on. The scene is rendered in a dynamic and dramatic style, capturing the brutality of the event. Van Loo's work exemplifies the Rococo style, characterized by graceful lines and a delicate use of light and shadow. "The Flaying of Marsyas" is a powerful image that highlights the enduring themes of hubris, punishment, and the dangers of artistic ambition. The drawing is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.