Apelles

Definition

Apelles was an ancient Greek painter, celebrated for his exceptional skill and artistry, particularly in the classical period. He is often regarded as the most renowned painter of antiquity, noted for his ability to create lifelike representations and masterful use of color. His works influenced generations of artists and contributed to the understanding of beauty and proportion in art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Apelles is often associated with the famous phrase 'the most beautiful woman in the world,' referring to his portrayal of Aphrodite in his paintings.
2. He was known for his innovative techniques, including the use of a special varnish to enhance the luminosity of his colors.
3. Apelles painted notable figures from history, including Alexander the Great, who was a patron of his work.
4. His works were said to be so realistic that they could fool onlookers into believing they were seeing the actual subject rather than a painting.
5. Despite many references to his work, none of Apelles' paintings survive today, and much of what we know comes from ancient texts describing his art.

Review Questions

• How did Apelles' techniques influence the development of classical art in ancient Greece?
  • Apelles' techniques had a significant impact on classical art by introducing methods that emphasized realism and idealized beauty. His innovative use of color and light set a standard for future artists, showcasing how effective these elements could be in creating depth and emotion in artwork. By mastering techniques like chiaroscuro, he elevated the expectations for artistic representation, which would inspire countless generations in both Greece and Rome.
• Discuss how Apelles’ relationship with Alexander the Great shaped the legacy of his artwork.
  • Apelles' relationship with Alexander the Great played a pivotal role in elevating his status as an artist. As Alexander's favored painter, Apelles received opportunities to create portraits that captured the essence of the ruler's charisma and power. This connection not only boosted his reputation but also allowed him to influence public perception through art, intertwining his legacy with that of one of history's most famous figures. The paintings he created for Alexander contributed to both their legacies enduring through time.
• Evaluate the significance of Apelles' contribution to the understanding of beauty in art and its lasting impact on subsequent artistic movements.
  • The significance of Apelles' contribution lies in his ability to define and convey beauty through painting in ways that resonate even today. His focus on realism, idealized forms, and harmonious compositions laid foundational principles that would later influence Renaissance artists and movements focused on humanism. As artists sought to emulate or critique notions of beauty that Apelles exemplified, they continued a dialogue about aesthetics that persists throughout art history. This dialogue has shaped not only visual arts but also cultural perceptions of beauty across different eras.

Related terms

Classical Art: Art from ancient Greece and Rome that emphasizes harmony, proportion, and the depiction of idealized forms.

Chiaroscuro: A technique used in painting that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures.

Fresco: A method of mural painting on wet plaster, which allows the colors to become an integral part of the wall surface.