Artwork

Apollo Destroying the Children of Niobe

Apollo Destroying the Children of Niobe, by Richard Wilson, oil, 1757
Apollo Destroying the Children of Niobe, by Richard Wilson, oil, 1757

Apollo Destroying the Children of Niobe is an oil painting by Richard Wilson. It dates from 1757 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

Apollo Destroying the Children of Niobe is a painting by Richard Wilson, a Welsh artist known for his landscapes, created around 1757. It is an oil-on-canvas work held in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a scene from Greek mythology, showing a group of figures in the foreground, some injured or dead, with a winged figure in the sky amidst clouds and smoke, set against a mountainous landscape.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Wilson's use of chiaroscuro, employing strong contrasts of light and dark to convey depth and volume. Earth tones and blues create a sense of atmosphere, while bold, expressive brushstrokes enhance the drama and emotional impact of the scene.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Richard Wilson

Artist

Richard Wilson

Richard Wilson (1 August 1714 – 15 May 1782) was a Welsh painter who specialised in landscape art and worked in Britain and Italy.