Apollo and Marsyas (Ribera, Brussels)
Apollo and Marsyas is the title of a 1637 painting by the Spanish artist
Description
The scene describes the moment in which the god Apollo skins the satyr Marsyas after losing the music contest to which he had challenged the god. The muses had to judge, but they always tied in their interpretation, until Apollo introduced the need to sing while playing, something that he could do because his instrument was a lyre while for Marsyas it was impossible because he played the aulos. As a punishment, Marsyas is hung on a tree and skinned alive, while looking at the viewer as if begging for his intervention or help. On the contrary, the god is represented in an almost idealized and serene way, pleased by his triumph and subsequent action. The theme is somewhat crude, typical of Ribera's painting.[1]
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