The Triumph of Apollo

The panel of the Triumph of Apollo (Il Trionfo di Apollo) is part of the Triumphs of the Gods series and stands out, like the others in the same series, as a result of its monumental size.

This lavish ornamental presentation is made up of garlands, swirls, tracery frames, chimera animals, grotesque masks, caryatids, and is inspired by the grotesque interwoven designs seen in pictures by Raphael and his school, particularly Giovanni da Udine.

The border is composed of a simulated bronze cornice with acanthus leaves alternating with decorative listellos against a blue background.

The upper area bears the coat of arms with the lilies of the French Crown.

At the bottom, there is the monogram of King Louis XIV.

Classical and allegorical figures are depicted in a sumptuous architectural setting, which, in the upper register, shows the Winged Pegasus, companion of the Muses between the Chariot of the Sun and the Chariot of the Moon below tympanum-shaped elements.

In the center, Apollo and eight Muses are depicted.

Apollo appears on a high pedestal, inside a small temple designed on a central layout with slender columns.

The Muses called to judge the contest are situated along the edges, on high pedestals underneath an architrave supported by similar columns.

Among them, Calliope can be seen with her trumpet.

Clio with her scroll.

Talia and Melpomene with their masks.

In the lower register, two episodes are illustrated: on the left, the Musical Contest between Apollo with his lyre and the satyr Marsyas with his double cane flute (aulos).

On the right, the Defeat of Marsyas who is waiting to be flayed.

Napoleon gave the panel to his sister Elisa Baciocchi for her apartment in Palazzo Pitti and it was placed in storage in Rome in 1945.