Apollo met lier op de Parnassus 1640

Michel Dorigny created this print of ‘Apollo met lier op de Parnassus’ in the 17th century. At the center, the Greek god Apollo is depicted playing his lyre surrounded by reclining figures. It is Parnassus, the mountain of poetic inspiration. Above them, cherubs circle, hinting at divine approval. This print resonates with the artistic and intellectual climate of its time. France during the 1600s experienced a revival of classical learning. The print, with its mythological subject, aligns with the cultural values upheld by institutions like the Académie Royale, which promoted classical ideals in art. By reviving classical themes, artists like Dorigny were able to express the values of their own era. The figures in the print exhibit an idealized beauty, reflecting the period’s emphasis on order, reason, and harmony. To truly understand this print, we can look to sources that reveal the cultural values that shaped its creation, gaining insight into the intricate interplay between art, society, and institutions.