The great annual Sacrifice at the Temple of Apollo in the island of Delos

1750

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

The great annual Sacrifice at the Temple of Apollo in the island of Delos is a 1750 by François Vivarès, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: François Vivarès
When & what style?: 1750
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This print shows a grand temple with columns and a dome in the background, surrounded by lush trees. In the foreground, people tend to sheep near a rocky path, while others stand or walk along the edge of a hill. The sky is partly cloudy, and the scene looks calm with a mix of greens, grays, and soft blues. The temple looks like an ancient Greek building, but it’s actually a real place in Rome. The artist included both real architecture and everyday life in one scene. Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this print in person.

The story of this work

Overview

The engraving depicts a landscape scene of the annual sacrifice at the Temple of Apollo on the island of Delos, based on a painting by Claude Lorrain housed in the Pamphili Palace in Rome. Printed on paper, the work reproduces the classical setting and ceremonial activity as interpreted by François Vivarès in 1750.

Read the full account in the museum source.