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Apollo and Coronis

Adam Elsheimerpossibly c. 1607-1608

National Museums Liverpool

National Museums Liverpool
United Kingdom

Elsheimer was German, but his most important works were painted in Italy where he spent the last 12 years of his life. These small pictures, with their jewel-like colours and poetic lighting, were admired by many artists, such as Elsheimer's friend, Rubens, and his influence was widespread.

With a shot from his bow the Greek god Apollo killed his unfaithful lover Coronis, who was pregnant with his child. Elsheimer shows the ensuing moment when the remorseful Apollo picked healing herbs in a vain attempt to revive his victim. The sensually-posed body of Coronis seems still to have a glow of life about it, but already in the background her funeral pyre is being prepared, and the leafless branches above evoke her death.

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  • Title: Apollo and Coronis
  • Creator: Adam Elsheimer
  • Creator Lifespan: 1578/1610
  • Date Created: possibly c. 1607-1608
  • Physical Dimensions: 17.9 cm x 23 cm
  • Rights: Presented to the Walker Art Gallery by H M Government from the estate of the 4th Baron Methuen in 1982
  • Medium: Oil paint; Copper
National Museums Liverpool

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