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Details
CAMBIASO, Luca (1527-1585), attributed to. "The Flaying of Marsyas by Apollo." (Circa 1550). Drawing in gall-nut ink, traces of graphite. 15 7/8 x 10 1/2 inches. Framed.
Born in Genoa, Cambiaso established his reputation in his hometown, painting mostly altarpieces and other religious works in churches and palaces throughout the city. He traveled to Rome several times where he was influenced by Michelangelo and Correggio. In addition to painting, he was also a prolific draughtsman. Two years before his death in 1583, he was commissioned by Philip II of Spain to assist with the decoration at the Escorial.
According to Greek mythology, the god Apollo was an expert in the playing of the lyre. The satyr Marsyas decided to play the flute invented by Athena, and he became so proficient that out of hubris he dared to challenge the great Apollo to a musical contest. The god imposed the condition that the victor could do what he liked with the vanquished. Inevitably Apollo won and he decided to flay Marsyas alive. The peculiar punishment was a dramatic reflection of Apollo's patronage of medicine as well as music. This story provided a way for artists to symbolize both the musical and the medical with the anatomical aspects of the flayed Marsyas. An attribution to Giovanni Cambiaso has also been suggested.
Born in Genoa, Cambiaso established his reputation in his hometown, painting mostly altarpieces and other religious works in churches and palaces throughout the city. He traveled to Rome several times where he was influenced by Michelangelo and Correggio. In addition to painting, he was also a prolific draughtsman. Two years before his death in 1583, he was commissioned by Philip II of Spain to assist with the decoration at the Escorial.
According to Greek mythology, the god Apollo was an expert in the playing of the lyre. The satyr Marsyas decided to play the flute invented by Athena, and he became so proficient that out of hubris he dared to challenge the great Apollo to a musical contest. The god imposed the condition that the victor could do what he liked with the vanquished. Inevitably Apollo won and he decided to flay Marsyas alive. The peculiar punishment was a dramatic reflection of Apollo's patronage of medicine as well as music. This story provided a way for artists to symbolize both the musical and the medical with the anatomical aspects of the flayed Marsyas. An attribution to Giovanni Cambiaso has also been suggested.