A Ceiling with Apollo Presiding over Military and Historical Learning
1744
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1744
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
A Ceiling with Apollo Presiding over Military and Historical Learning is a 1744 ink by Anton Kern, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows a busy scene on a ceiling. At the center, a figure sits on a cloud, holding a lyre. Below, people in fancy clothes read books, play instruments, and talk. The edges are filled with swirling patterns and tiny figures floating in the sky. The empty space above the main scene looks like a blank canvas waiting to be filled. The artist used soft colors and delicate lines to create a dreamy, busy world. Next, check out watercolor, glazing to see how artists build up light and depth with layers.
