Laster van Apelles 1549 - 1584

This print, titled "The Calumny of Apelles," presents a dense narrative scene filled with symbolic figures. On the left, we see Ignorance and Suspicion, whispering into the ear of King Midas, who sits in judgment. Calumny, or slander, drags a young man by the hair towards the king, accompanied by Deceit and Fraud. Behind them follows Repentance, looking back at Truth who is approaching. This story echoes through time. The motif of unjust accusation and the struggle for truth appears in numerous guises across cultures, from ancient Greek tragedies to Renaissance allegories. Consider the figure of Calumny herself – her frenzied energy and destructive force resemble the Furies of classical mythology, embodiments of vengeance and psychological torment. The emotional intensity conveyed through such figures reflects a deep-seated human fear of injustice and the chaotic power of rumor, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This allegory of Apelles, passed down through history, reminds us of the cyclical nature of human experience, where timeless themes resurface, evolve, and find new expression across generations.