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Ovid’s 'Metamorphoses' (XIV, 129–153) tells of how the amorous Apollo offered the Cumaean Sibyl anything she desired. She is shown in the painting asking for as many years of life as there are grains of dust in her hands. Although Apollo granted her wish, she still refused him her favours. In retribution, he denied her perpetual youth and she lived for over seven hundred years in increasing misery. Rosa’s expressive brushwork, dark tones and dramatic chiaroscuro, together with his characterisation of the wild landscape of rocks and splintered trees, create a sense of foreboding and mystery in keeping with the melancholy story.

The Wallace Collection

London

Title

River Landscape with Apollo and the Cumaean Sibyl

Date

c.1657–1658

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 173.7 x W 259.5 cm

Accession number

P116

Acquisition method

acquired by Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford, 1850; bequeathed to the nation by Lady Wallace, 1897

Work type

Painting

The Wallace Collection

Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, Greater London W1U 3BN England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.

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Artist or maker

Salvator Rosa

1615–1673

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