Marsyas en Apollo 1651

Michel Dorigny's 1651 etching "Marsyas en Apollo" depicts the Greek myth of Marsyas, a satyr, being flayed alive by Apollo after losing a musical contest. The scene is set amidst a lush forest, with a group of figures, including a god, a satyr and a few nymphs, gathered around Marsyas, who sits bound and defeated. Dorigny’s work showcases his mastery of line and detail, and his keen understanding of the human form and the dramatic potential of this classical myth. The etching is a poignant portrayal of human hubris and the consequences of challenging the gods.