“Apollo Guarding the Herds of Admetus,” created in 1654 by the esteemed artist Claude Lorrain, is an oil painting on canvas representing the Classicism art movement. This mythological painting resides in a private collection and intricately portrays a scene from ancient mythology.
The artwork depicts the god Apollo tending to the herds of King Admetus, a narrative rooted in Greek mythology. The serene landscape is characterized by lush trees and expansive meadows, bathed in the golden light of dawn or dusk. In the foreground, Apollo is seated with a lyre, surrounded by grazing animals, exemplifying tranquillity and pastoral beauty. The background reveals classical architectural structures and a distant river, blending idyllic nature with elements of ancient civilization. This painting is a quintessential example of Lorrain’s mastery in creating harmonious compositions that evoke a sense of peaceful grandeur.
