CLAUDE LORRAIN
(b. 1604, Chamagne, d. 1682, Roma)

Apollo Guarding the Herds of Admetus

1654
Oil on canvas
Private collection

The subject of this painting is taken from Greek mythology. Admetus was famed for his hospitality and justice. When Apollo was sentenced to a year of servitude to a mortal as punishment for killing the Cyclops, the god chose Admetus' home and became his herdsman. Apollo was so impressed by Admetus' treatment that the god made all the cows bear twins.

This composition consists of two masses of trees and an Etruscan town all rising like blocks from a composition primarily planned on the horizontal plane.




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