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Reference number
P02040
Author
Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
Title
Apollo and the Python
Chronology
Ca. 1636
Technique
Support
Measures
26,9 cm x 42,3 cm
School
Theme
Shown
Yes
Entrance
DONACION
Procedence
Donation Dutchess Widow of Pastrana, 1889

Apollo fights the terrible Python to free beautiful Andromeda, who was destined to be one of the victims of this monster. She is sketched in behind the beast. In the air, Cupid shoots his arrows into the God, alluding to the love arising between Apollo and Andromeda, as told by Ovid in his Metamorphosis.

This sketch was made as part of the projected decoration of the Torre de la Parada and was used by Cornelis de Vos as the basis for a painting on the same subject. It displays Rubens skill at generating the same sensuality and poetic character in these small panels as in his large-format mythological works.

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