Apelles

Apelles (c. 356-308 BCE) was a renowned painter of ancient Greece. Born in Colophon, Ionia (modern-day Turkey), he is considered one of the greatest painters of antiquity, although none of his original works survive. Our knowledge of Apelles relies primarily on descriptions and anecdotes found in the writings of Pliny the Elder, Quintilian, Lucian, and others.

Apelles was known for his naturalism, grace, and technical skill. He reportedly emphasized the importance of diligent study and practice, asserting that no day should pass without drawing a line ("nulla dies sine linea"). He served as the court painter to Philip II of Macedon and later to his son, Alexander the Great. Alexander held Apelles in such high esteem that he forbade any other artist from painting his likeness.

Among Apelles' most famous works, as described by ancient writers, were portraits of Alexander wielding a thunderbolt, Aphrodite Anadyomene (Aphrodite rising from the sea), and a portrait of Antigonus I Monophthalmus. He was also known for his meticulous detail and his ability to capture the character and emotions of his subjects.

Apelles is credited with several innovations in painting, including the use of a dark glaze to modulate colors and create a sense of depth, a technique known as "atramentum." He is also said to have been a skilled colorist, blending hues with great subtlety and realism.

Though his paintings are lost, Apelles' influence on subsequent generations of artists is undeniable. He became a model for artistic excellence, and his name remains synonymous with skill and artistry in the history of Western art. The stories surrounding his life and work continue to inspire and fascinate.