The Calumny of Apelles

1560

The Calumny of Apelles, 1560. Giorgio Ghisi (Italian, 1520–1582), after Luca Penni (Italian, 1500/04–1557). Engraving; sheet: 37.3 x 32.3 cm (14 11/16 x 12 11/16 in.); platemark: 36.9 x 31.9 cm (14 1/2 x 12 9/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2012.8 This allegory of injustice, popular with Renaissance artists for its moral content, is based on a written description of a lost painting by the ancient Greek artist Apelles. An enthroned judge with large ears is flanked by Suspicion and blindfolded Ignorance. He extends a hand to Calumny (Slander), who, helped by Envy, drags a young man by the hair into court. This youth protests his innocence to Truth and Time, who descend on a cloud to reveal Calumny’s lies and vindicate the accused. Deceit stands behind Calumny with a large net, while Repentance casts an apologetic glance toward Truth from beside the window.