The Judgement of Midas. The Musical Contest between Apollo and Marsyas 1507 - 1509

Cima da Conegliano painted 'The Judgement of Midas' in oil on panel around 1505-1510, an era where classical myths were frequently reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. The painting depicts a musical contest judged by King Midas, a narrative that allows Conegliano to explore themes of judgement, taste, and the role of the artist in society. The figures, though rooted in classical lore, are rendered in the fashion of the Venetian Renaissance, reflecting the cultural milieu of the time. Consider the institutional history of the arts during this period; art was commissioned by wealthy patrons and the church, and artists navigated these systems of support. This painting, in its depiction of a contest, might subtly comment on the competitive artistic environment. To fully understand the work we need to examine the artist’s biography, the prevailing artistic theories, and the social history of Venice. Art historians piece together these contexts to reveal the multifaceted meanings embedded in Conegliano’s work.