Artwork Page for The Calumny of Apelles

Details / Information for The Calumny of Apelles

The Calumny of Apelles

1560

Giorgio Ghisi

(Italian, 1520–1582)

after Luca Penni

(Italian, 1500/04–1557)
Culture
Italy, 16th century
Medium
engraving
Measurements
Platemark: 36.9 x 31.9 cm (14 1/2 x 12 9/16 in.); Sheet: 37.3 x 32.3 cm (14 11/16 x 12 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2012.8
Catalogue raisonné
Lewis & Lewis 27
State
III/VI
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This allegory of injustice, popular with Renaissance artists for its moral content, is based on a written description of a lost painting by the ancient Greek artist Apelles. An enthroned judge with large ears is flanked by Suspicion and blindfolded Ignorance. He extends a hand to Calumny (Slander), who, helped by Envy, drags a young man by the hair into court. This youth protests his innocence to Truth and Time, who descend on a cloud to reveal Calumny’s lies and vindicate the accused. Deceit stands behind Calumny with a large net, while Repentance casts an apologetic glance toward Truth from beside the window.
A vertically oriented print in fine black lines depicts people with light skin tones in a classical building. On the right, a man with donkey ears sits enthroned while two women whisper to him. In the center, a woman drags a man by his hair, led by a gaunt figure holding a torch. A blindfolded woman stands at the far right. Fine cross-hatching shades the scene. Latin text sits in a central bottom tablet.

The Calumny of Apelles

1560

Giorgio Ghisi, Luca Penni

(Italian, 1520–1582), (Italian, 1500/04–1557)
Italy, 16th century

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