University LibraryPrint Collection

Title:

Apollo Flaying Marsyas and the Judgment of Midas exhibition label

Narrative 1

Narrative:

The scene conveys horror and pain as Apollo flays Marsyas alive. In most accounts it is Apollo, patron god of music, who first challenges the satyr Marsyas to a flute contest whereby the victor would be able to inflict any punishment he chooses on the defeated. As it was judged by the Muses, Apollo emerges as winner. With a contorted face, Marsyas’s body writhes in agony as his flesh is flayed by a triumphant Apollo. Rota focuses on the cruel nature of Apollo and makes reference to the offence caused by contesting a god. The language of the nude is explored through both figures. The gruesome punishment is further enhanced by the tormented body of the satyr which lies in front of the formalised pose of Apollo. The more idealised figure of the god associates Apollo with ideas of visual perfection, veneration and superiority.

Authors:

von Westernhagen, Vanessa

Onrust, Milenne

Matheson, Tanya

Marriott, Vinaya

Bradley, Ellen

Type:

Student exhibition

Objects:

Apollo Flaying Marsyas and the Judgment of Midas