Baroque Oil Painting Apollo and Marsyas Musical Contest King Midas Judgement





Click image to enlarge



Description


18th Century Baroque Italian Old Master Oil Painting – "Apollo and Marsyas With King Midas Judgement" | Musical Recital Mythological Scene Contest After Filippo Lauri

Subject & Medium
This powerful 18th-century oil on canvas portrays the mythological contest version between Apollo, god of music , and the Phrygian satyr Marsyas —a timeless tale of musical rivalry and divine punishment from Greek mythology.
Executed in the Italian Old Master tradition, this work is after Filippo Lauri, a celebrated painter of the Roman Baroque.

The Contest of Sound: Lyre vs. Aulos

Marsyas, a satyr from Phrygia , discovered a double-reed flute known as the aulos—possibly the very one discarded by the goddess Athena . Enchanted by its sound, he mastered it and eventually declared his music superior to that of Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and the lyre .

Whether Apollo challenged Marsyas or Marsyas initiated the contest varies by version, but the stakes were steep: the loser would pay a terrible price .

Apollo would play the cithara, a stringed instrument. At first, the contest was neck-and-neck. Depending on the myth, the Muses or King Midas served as judges. When Marsyas seemed close to victory, Apollo changed the rules—either flipping his instrument upside down or singing while playing . Marsyas, restricted to his wind instrument, couldn’t compete. Apollo won.

The Price of Hubris

As agreed, the victor could choose the punishment. Apollo, enraged by Marsyas’s arrogance, had him flayed alive and nailed his skin to a tree —a chilling warning to all who would challenge a god. Some versions claim Apollo even turned Marsyas’s skin into a wine flask .

Not an Isolated Myth

This pride-and-punishment pattern repeats throughout Greek lore:

Arachne boasted her weaving surpassed Athena’s—so she became the first spider.
Niobe mocked Leto for having only two children, so Apollo and Artemis destroyed her fourteen.
In every tale, mortals who rivaled the divine faced swift, merciless judgment .

Legacy and Cultural Impact

This myth has inspired generations, with versions told by Ovid, Plutarch, Apollodorus, and more. The tale remains a powerful symbol of artistic rivalry, unchecked pride, and divine justice.


Composition & Technique
Set in a lush, wooded glade beneath dramatic skies, the composition is filled with animated figures surrounding the two central musicians. Marsyas sits poised clutching his instrument, whilst Apollo plays confidently his stringed cithara instrument. King Midas sits near Marsyas making judgement of the contest.
The artist masterfully uses chiaroscuro to heighten the scene’s emotional intensity. The figures are rendered with fluidity and anatomical precision, while the soft but vibrant color palette creates contrast and movement throughout the canvas. The dramatic storytelling and classical proportions reflect strong Baroque influences, aligning with the style of Filippo Lauri.

Frame Details
Displayed in a magnificent antique gilt gesso frame with elaborate Baroque scroll and foliate detailing
Frame Dimensions: Height: 72 cm | Width: 97.5 cm | Depth: 4.5 cm
Weight (unwrapped): Just under 9kg
The frame enhances the painting’s historical grandeur and is ready for immediate wall display.

Artist Signature
This work is unsigned, typical of many studio or follower pieces from the 18th century. The composition and execution are attributed to an Italian School artist, working after Filippo Lauri (1623–1694).

About the Artist – Filippo Lauri (1623–1694)
A major figure in Roman Baroque art, Filippo Lauri was trained by his Flemish father, Balthasar Lauwers, and later by his brother Francesco and brother-in-law Angelo Caroselli.
Lauri became a member—and later director—of the Accademia di San Luca. He collaborated with greats such as Claude Lorraine and Filippo Gagliardi, often contributing detailed figures to grand architectural and landscape works. His signature style features refined small-scale figures, mythological scenes, and elegant compositions steeped in theatrical grandeur.
This painting reflects the narrative elegance and expressive flair associated with Lauri’s circle.

Provenance
From a private Northern UK collection
Formerly sold by Tennants Auctioneers
Currently held in the curated collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Condition Report
Offered in fine antique condition, with expected age-related wear:

Craquelure visible across surface
Areas of paint loss and touch-ups
Foxing and darkening to the canvas reverse
Historic tears and old repairs present
Gilt frame has scuffs, chips, and cracking
Would benefit with restoration
Despite its age-related imperfections, the painting presents a compelling and decorative historical work.

Why You"ll Love It:
Genuine 18th-century Baroque oil painting with mythological subject
Powerful visual storytelling rooted in classical antiquity
After Filippo Lauri, a sought-after Roman master
Ideal for collectors, designers, galleries, TV/film studios, or private display
Conversation-starting piece with investment and aesthetic appeal
Curated by experienced antique professionals



Reserve: $48,600.00

Shipping:

Domestic: Shipping rates are determined by destination

International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT.

Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Location: This item ships from United Kingdom

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.