Marcantonio Pasqualini (1614–1691) Crowned by Apollo
1641
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
96 x 76 1/2 in. (243.8 x 194.3 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Department
European Paintings
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Enid A. Haupt Gift and Gwynne Andrews Fund, 1981
Accession Number
1981.317
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the grand tradition of 17th-century Roman portraiture, Andrea Sac's *Marcantonio Pasqualini1614–1691) Crowned by Apollo*1641) captures the celebrated castrato singer in a moment of divine acclaim. Pasqualini, a star of the papal court under Urban VIII, is depicted playing a harpsichord while Apollo, the god of and poetry, crowns him laurel. Flanking satyrs add a playful mythological touch, evoking the lively world of Baroque opera and performance. Sacchi, a leading exponent of classical Baroque style, contrasts with the dramatic flair of rivals like Bernini by emphasizing serene harmony an...
About the Artist
Andrea Sacchi · 1599–1661
Son and pupil of Benedetto Sacchi. He then worked with Francesco Albano and studied Raphael, Polidoro da Caravaggio and the artists of antiquity. He later trained numerous pupils, most notably Lauri, Gazzi and Carlo Maratti. Comment on works: Portrait; History