The Contest between Apollo and Pan before King Midas

c. 1670

Johann Spillenberger

Associated Names
Johann Spillenberger

Artist, German, 1628 - 1679

This is a drawing of a group of figures gathered around a violinist in a wooded setting. The monochromatic drawing depicts an assembly of individuals, some seated and others standing, with one playing a violin in the center. The scene is set against a backdrop of rocks and trees. There is a sense of movement and interaction among the figures, with some appearing to listen intently to the music. The drawing utilizes light and shadow to give depth and dimension to the figures and the natural elements surrounding them. The style of this drawing could suggest mannerist influences, with elongated forms and dramatic, yet fluid poses.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink with gray wash, corrected with white gouache, over traces of graphite, on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, Patrons' Permanent Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 21 x 20 cm (8 1/4 x 7 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2007.111.164

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Baljöhr 2003, Z 45

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Salomon Gautier, Paris and Amsterdam (first half of 18th century) (Lugt 2978). (sale, Ader Picard Tajan, Paris, 17 June 1985, no. 46). Wolfgang Ratjen, Munich; purchased 2007 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2010

  • German Master Drawings from the Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, 1580 - 1900, NGA, 2010, no. 6, under no. 7.

Bibliography

2003

  • Baljöhr, Ruth. Johann von Spillenberger 1628 - 1679, Ein Maler des Barock. Weissenhorn, 2003: 275, no. Z 45 (reprod.).

Inscriptions

on verso at bottom right in brown ink: Spilberger: on 18th-century mount at top right in red ink: No 1876, and in graphite: 30; at bottom left in brown ink: No 90 (90 crossed out) 53; at bottom right in graphite: Spilberger/XVIIe s.; on verso of mount at top in graphite: E.A. and P 16, and at top right: 25 (encircled)

Watermarks

post?

Wikidata ID

Q64582062

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