Apollo doodt Coronis c. 1636 - 1670

Crispijn van de Passe II created "Apollo doodt Coronis", an engraving, in the 17th century. The composition is starkly divided: on one side, Apollo stands poised with his bow, while on the other, Coronis lies dying beneath a tree. The stark contrasts in light and shadow emphasize the dramatic tension of the scene. Notice how the lines of the engraving create texture, from the foliage to the musculature of Apollo, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. The work engages with the classical theme of divine retribution but also with the evolving notions of humanism during the period. The figures, rendered with detailed attention to anatomy and expression, invite viewers to consider the complexities of justice and mortality. Through its formal elements, the engraving serves not just as an aesthetic object but as a cultural artifact that embodies the intellectual and artistic dialogues of its time. Its composition and technique invite ongoing interpretation, reflecting our continuous engagement with the past.