The Calumny of Apelles 1849

John Vanderlyn’s “The Calumny of Apelles” (1849), currently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reimagines the ancient Greek story of the painter Apelles being falsely accused of adultery. The painting depicts a dramatic scene of slander, with a central figure being accused by a group of figures, while a seemingly innocent figure is falsely identified as the perpetrator of the slander. The painting's somber tone and the stark use of light and shadow add a powerful sense of drama to the story, giving viewers a glimpse into the destructive nature of false accusations and the consequences of blind faith.