The Calumny of Apelles - Giorgio Ghisi

A detailed 16th-century engraving by Giorgio Ghisi depicting the classical allegory of the Calumny of Apelles.

This engraving by Giorgio Ghisi depicts the classical allegory of the Calumny of Apelles, a subject derived from the writings of Lucian regarding a lost painting by the ancient Greek artist Apelles. Ghisi, a master of the Mantuan school of printmaking, demonstrates his technical precision through the use of varied hatching and cross-hatching to define the architectural space and the musculature of the figures.

The composition follows the traditional iconographic programme. A judge with donkey ears sits upon a throne, flanked by figures representing Suspicion and Ignorance. Before him, Calumny drags an innocent youth by the hair, accompanied by Envy, Fraud, and Treachery. To the right, Repentance looks back toward Truth, who stands isolated and nude, gesturing toward the heavens. The scene is set within a classical portico, with a statue of a deity positioned in a niche above the judge, adding a layer of moral gravity to the narrative.

Ghisi’s work is noted for its clarity and the sculptural quality of the figures, which reflect the influence of Giulio Romano. The print captures the tension of the scene through the dynamic poses of the participants and the dramatic lighting. The inclusion of a Latin inscription at the base provides the viewer with the moral context of the allegory, warning against the dangers of false accusation. This print is a fine example of the sophisticated print culture of the sixteenth century, where classical themes were reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary artistic techniques. The meticulous lines and balanced arrangement of the figures demonstrate the high level of skill required to translate complex narrative scenes into the medium of engraving.