This is a drawing of a mythological scene with Apollo and the Python. The circular frame contains a wooded landscape. On the left, a figure with a decorated robe holds a bow, aiming towards a serpent or dragon on the right. The creature lies slain with its sinuous body and large head near a tree. In the background, a group of figures observes from a distance. The artwork is detailed, especially in the foliage and serpent's scales. The scene conveys tension, capturing a moment of triumph in a classical mythological context.
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This is a drawing of a mythological scene with Apollo and the Python. The circular frame contains a wooded landscape. On the left, a figure with a decorated robe holds a bow, aiming towards a serpent or dragon on the right. The creature lies slain with its sinuous body and large head near a tree. In the background, a group of figures observes from a distance. The artwork is detailed, especially in the foliage and serpent's scales. The scene conveys tension, capturing a moment of triumph in a classical mythological context.

National Gallery of Art · Portfolio

Apollo Killing the Python

Georg Andreas Wolfgang the Elder

Date
1665
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 14.6 x 14.9 cm (5 3/4 x 5 7/8 in.)
Classification
Portfolio · Print
Accession number
2005.17.15
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • German
  • Male figure
  • Forest
  • Snake
Provenance

(sale, Swann Galleries, New York, 4 November 2004, no. 301);(David Tunick, Inc., New York); purchased 2004 by NGA.

Inscription

lower center in plate: Magnus Apollo suis perimit Pythorna Sagittis... /...Quam radijs ardens solvit Apollo suis. / 13

NGA object ID 133465. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.