The Calumny of Apelles, John Vanderlyn (1849)

The Calumny of Apelles stages a vivid allegory of accusation and deception. Inspired by a now-lost work of the Greek painter Apelles, Vanderlyn depicts a procession of personified figures: Envy leads, followed by Fraud and Deceit guiding Calumny, who drags a falsely accused man before a foolish King Midas. Truth stands nearby, pointing to the heavens, largely ignored. John Vanderlyn (1775–1852) was one of America’s first academically trained painters, known for his neoclassical style and engagement with classical narratives. Through precise composition and classical detail, The Calumny of Apelles revives an ancient story while offering a timeless moral reflection on the dangers of slander, manipulation, and human credulity. Product Details: Cotton and polyester canvas on Radiata pine wood frame sourced from renewable forests. Includes back mounting. Due to variation in monitor settings, finished products may appear different than they do on your screen. To offer a broad range of sizes,