Artwork

Apollo and Marsyas

Apollo and Marsyas, by Hans Thoma, oil, 1894
Apollo and Marsyas, by Hans Thoma, oil, 1894

Apollo and Marsyas is an oil painting by Hans Thoma. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Hans Thoma's 1894 oil painting, Apollo and Marsyas, depicts a scene from mythology. The work is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows Apollo and Marsyas, figures from ancient myth, in a forest glade. The two naked men are surrounded by tall, dark trees and a bright blue sky. Their poses and attributes, such as wreaths and vines, reference their mythological narrative.

Technique & Style

Thoma's use of oil paint creates a clear, detailed representation of the figures and their surroundings. The contrast between the dark trees and the bright sky highlights the bodies of the two men, creating a sense of quiet intimacy.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hans Thoma

Artist

Hans Thoma

Hans Thoma (2 October 1839 – 7 November 1924) was a German painter. An alumnus and later professor of Karlsruhe Academy, he is known for his landscapes, portraits, and symbolic works rooted in German regional life and…