Here, the god Apollo is crowning celebrated male soprano, Marcantonio Pasqualini. He's being crowned as a reward for defeating the satyr Marsyas, (also shown) in a musical contest. In 1630, Pasqualini joined the choir of the Sistine Chapel, and was often the protagonist in Palazzo Barberini's operas. Apollo is the Greek god of song, Sun, and the arts, so it is only fitting he crown the musical master. With this in mind, do you find the nudity distracting?
Click here to return home.
Click here to learn more about this piece.