French School 18th centuryApollo 1720

This work presents something of a puzzle, both as to its painter and to its genre. The lower section appears to be unfinished. The figure clearly represents the Roman god Apollo, for rays of light stream out from his laurel-wreathed head. To the right can be seen a musical instrument called a lyre and a sheet of music (its text is not legible). Both the lyre and the laurel wreath are attributes of Apollo. To the left lies a small still life composed of three books, two sculptured figures of naked cherubs and some architectural instruments - a set-square, dividers and a bladed tool. These objects, representing the various Arts, are also symbolic of Apollo… (read more)