A Sacrifice to Apollo
1672
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
This painting shows a group of figures in a busy scene. At the center, a woman in a green robe holds a wreath, standing on a cloud. Around her, other figures—some winged, some not—float or kneel in a mix of red, white, and gold. One man in a red cloak sits on the ground, while others hold instruments or gesture toward the sky. The background has trees and a bright, glowing sunburst. The woman’s calm pose contrasts with the drama of the flying figures. The painting uses bold light and shadow to make the scene feel alive and full of movement. Next, look up Baroque to see why this style often feels so dynamic.