The Calumny of Apelles, John Vanderlyn (1849)
John Vanderlyn’s The Calumny of Apelles stages a vivid allegory of accusation and deception. The original painting was inspired by a now-lost work by the celebrated Greek painter Apelles, known to us only through a written account by the Roman author Lucian. According to Lucian, Apelles was once falsely accused of wrongdoing at court and, in response, painted an allegorical scene symbolizing the destructive power of slander—or "calumny."
Vanderlyn reimagines this story through a procession of personified figures: Envy, cloaked in malice, leads the way; she is followed by Fraud and Deceit, who guide Calumny—a beautiful woman dragging a man falsely accused. They approach a foolish King Midas, seated between Ignorance and Suspicion, both whispering in his ears. Truth stands nearby, pointing to the heavens, but largely ignored.
Rendered in Vanderlyn’s precise neoclassical style, the composition reflects his deep engagement with classical antiquity and Enlightenment ideals. Created in the 19th century by one of America’s first academically trained painters, The Calumny of Apelles not only revives an ancient narrative but also serves as a moral warning against the perils of misinformation and manipulated judgment—a timeless concern dressed in mythological form.
Cotton and polyester canvas on Radiata pine wood frame sourced from renewable forests. Includes back mounting.
