Artwork
Marcantonio Pasqualini (1614–1691) Crowned by Apollo
Marcantonio Pasqualini (1614–1691) Crowned by Apollo is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Andrea Sacchi. It dates from 1641 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This oil painting depicts Marcantonio Pasqualini, a figure from the 17th century, receiving a laurel wreath.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The harpsichord alludes to Pasqualini’s vocal artistry, suggesting that his talent earns divine approval.
The painting shows the castrato singer Marc'Antonio Pasqualini being crowned by Apollo, the god of music, while the defeated satyr Marsyas and a harpsichord appear nearby. Sacchi places Pasqualini at the centre, receiving a laurel wreath from Apollo, an allusion to the myth in which Apollo flays Marsyas after losing a musical contest. The harpsichord alludes to Pasqualini’s vocal artistry, suggesting that his talent earns divine approval.
By merging portraiture with mythological narrative, the work celebrates the singer’s virtuosity and implies that his musical prowess rivals that of the gods, elevating the contemporary performer to an iconic, almost heroic status.
Technique & Style
Created in 1641, Andrea Sacchi's Marcantonio Pasqualini Crowned by Apollo is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. The work measures 244 centimeters in height and 194 centimeters in width, classifying it as a large-scale painting within the mythological and portrait genres. Stylistically, the composition integrates formal elements depicting the singer Marc'Antonio Pasqualini alongside mythological figures, including Apollo, Marsyas, and a satyr.
The arrangement also features a harpsichord, situating the human subject within a narrative context that blends portraiture with classical mythology. The medium of oil on canvas allows for the detailed rendering of these diverse subjects, from the central figure of Pasqualini to the surrounding allegorical characters.
History & Provenance
Andrea Sacchi created the oil-on-canvas painting Marcantonio Pasqualini Crowned by Apollo in 1641. The work depicts the castrato singer Marc'Antonio Pasqualini being crowned by Apollo, alongside figures such as Marsyas, a satyr, and a man with a harpsichord. While the specific commissioning patron is not detailed in the available records, the painting's inception is firmly dated to January 1, 1641.
The artwork measures 244 cm in height and 194 cm in width. Currently, the painting is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains part of their permanent holdings. The piece is classified as a mythological portrait, blending the genre of portraiture with classical themes to honor the subject's musical prowess.
Overview
This oil painting depicts Marcantonio Pasqualini, a figure from the 17th century, receiving a laurel wreath. The scene features a nude figure, presumably Pasqualini, holding a golden harp, while another individual, identified as Apollo, bestows the symbol of honor upon him. The composition is set against a natural backdrop, transitioning from a rocky foreground to a distant, open sky.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Andrea Sacchi (30 November 1599 – 21 June 1661) was an Italian painter of High Baroque Classicism, active in Rome.
