The Contest between Apollo and Pan 1648 - 1671

Jan de Bisschop created this pen in brown ink drawing, “The Contest between Apollo and Pan”, in the 17th century. The work illustrates the mythological musical duel between Apollo, representing civilized arts, and Pan, embodying rustic, pastoral music. De Bisschop, living in an era defined by the rigid social hierarchies of the Dutch Golden Age, uses this classical tale to comment on the perceived divide between the refined culture of the elite and the more natural, uninhibited expressions of the common folk. Apollo is depicted as graceful and composed, his lyre suggesting order and intellect. In contrast, Pan is sensual, playing his pipes with a raw, earthy energy that the three figures next to him appreciate. This contest can be viewed as an allegory of the social tensions present during de Bisschop’s time, questioning whose voices and forms of expression were valued and which were marginalized. The drawing invites us to reflect on how society decides what is considered beautiful, valuable, and who gets to make that decision. It encourages us to consider the emotional and personal dimensions of artistic expression.