Artwork
Apollo and the Cumaean Sibyl
Apollo and the Cumaean Sibyl is an ink print by the Baroque artist Salvator Rosa. It dates from 1661 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Apollo and the Cumaean Sibyl is a print created by Salvator Rosa around 1661 using etching and drypoint on laid paper. It is a representative work of Rosa, an Italian artist known for his diverse talents as a painter, poet, satirist, and printmaker.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a scene from classical mythology, featuring Apollo with a lyre and the Cumaean Sibyl. The figures are set against a landscape of trees and a cloudy sky, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation. The interaction between the two figures invites interpretation of their emotions and the moment captured.
Technique & Style
The etching and drypoint techniques used to create the print add depth and texture to the scene. The contrast between the figures and the landscape is achieved through Rosa's skilled use of these mediums, characteristic of his work as a printmaker.
Context
Rosa was active in Naples, Rome, and Florence, and his work reflects his engagement with the artistic and cultural currents of these cities during the Baroque period. As a multifaceted artist, Rosa's output includes not only paintings but also prints and writings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Salvator Rosa (1615 – 15 March 1673) is best known today as an Italian Baroque painter, whose romanticised landscapes and history paintings, often set in dark and untamed nature, exerted considerable influence from the 17th century into…
