Oil painting -> List of Painters -> Apelles
ApellesEarly days: Apelles, born in Colophone in Ionia was a popular painter of ancient Greece.He was considered to be one of the superior artists who flourished during the 4th century BC. His study of painting began under Ephorus of Ephesus,but later after he became popular,his studies continued under Pamphilus at Sicyon. |
Career:
He painted the young Alexander with so much interest and effort that he turned out to be the accepted and popular painter of Macedon.His picture of Alexander weilding a thunderbolt(attached is probably a Roman copy of his work) was one of the much appreciated paintings.However,this picture also led to a controversy.Plutarch,the Greek historian and biographer remarked negatively regarding Alexander’s colouring in this painting.He stated that the complexion of Alexander was depicted as dark-skinned,whereas it was believed that he was fair skinned,with a ruddy tinge on his face and chest.None of his paintings however survive till today.
 |
There is an interesting story about Protegenes,who was an ancient Greek painter, as well as a contemporary rival of Apelles.Apelles travelled to Protogenes' home in Rhodes to meet the painter about whom he had heard so much .When he arrived at Protogenes studio,he met an old woman who informed him that Protogenes was not available at that time.She also inquired his name so that she could report to Protogenes.Apelles observed a panel which was prepared by Protegenes in the studio.He immediately walked to the frame and with a brush, as he drew an extremely fine line across the panel told the servant to inform Protogenes “this came from me”.
The servant explained all that happened when Protogenes returned.Protogenes on seeing the perfect work was sure that it was the work of Apelles.Protogenes drew another line above the first line in another color and he informed his servant to show this to the visitor in case he returns. When Apelles revisited and was shown Protogenes' response, ashamed that he might be bettered, he drew in a third colour an even more finer line between the first two, leaving no opportunity for another display of talent.When Protogenes saw this,he admitted defeat and he went and met Apelles.
