Jan 24, 2012

The Calumny of Apelles

The Calumny of Apelles

1560

Giorgio Ghisi

(Italian, 1520–1582)

after Luca Penni

(Italian, 1500/04–1557)

Engraving

Sheet: 37.3 x 32.3 cm (14 11/16 x 12 11/16 in.); Platemark: 36.9 x 31.9 cm (14 1/2 x 12 9/16 in.)

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2012.8

Catalogue raisonné: Lewis & Lewis 27

State: III/VI

Location

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.

See also
Collection: 
PR - Engraving
Department: 
Prints
Type of artwork: 
Print
Medium: 
Engraving

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email [email protected].

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.