The Contest between Apollo and Pan before King Midas c. 1670

Johann Spillenberger’s pen and wash drawing, *The Contest between Apollo and Pan before King Midas*, depicts the mythological contest between the god of music, Apollo, and the satyr Pan. Apollo, playing a lyre, sits atop a rock with King Midas watching the competition. The drawing, dated c. 1670, exemplifies Spillenberger’s ability to capture a sense of motion and drama through his use of line. The artist’s expressive lines and washes create a dynamic composition that emphasizes the energy of the scene.